Sheriff Chris Nanos Accused of Blocking the FBI From Key Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Case — Details

Sheriff Chris Nanos Accused of Blocking the FBI From Key Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Case — Details

A high-profile disappearance case has taken a dramatic turn. A federal law enforcement source alleges that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos blocked the FBI from accessing key evidence in the search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.

According to the source, the sheriff is preventing the FBI from obtaining critical physical evidence collected from Nancy’s home, including a glove and DNA samples. Because of this, the materials cannot be tested at the FBI’s national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia.

Instead, the sheriff reportedly insisted that a private forensic lab in Florida handle the analysis. The source warned that this decision could slow the urgent investigation. The source also criticized the sheriff’s office for not seeking FBI assistance sooner, arguing that federal technology and resources could provide faster results in a time-sensitive case.

The sheriff’s office holds primary jurisdiction. Under federal law, the FBI can only formally participate if invited by the county. Officials say approximately $200,000 has already been spent sending evidence to the Florida lab.

The search has now entered its 12th day. Authorities have described the case as a presumed kidnapping for ransom.

Public Scrutiny and Alleged Delays

Sheriff Nanos has also faced criticism over his public appearances. Nearly a week after Nancy disappeared, he was photographed attending a college basketball game between the University of Arizona and Oklahoma State. The images surfaced while Nancy’s family publicly pleaded for her safe return.

Some critics said the appearance reflected poorly given the national attention on the case.

Reports also claim an internal dispute between the sheriff and a pilot of the department’s search aircraft caused a delay in deploying a critical search plane. The pilot was reportedly reassigned after the disagreement, leading to a three-hour delay in launching the aircraft during the early stages of the search.

In cases involving a vulnerable adult, experts note that even a few hours can be crucial.

Aircraft Deployment Controversy

The fixed-wing aircraft known as Survey 1, equipped with thermal imaging technology capable of scanning vast desert terrain, did not take off until approximately 5 p.m. Sunday — hours after Nancy was reported missing. A helicopter was deployed earlier but lacked the same advanced scanning capabilities.

Officials have stated that several experienced pilots had recently been transferred out of the Air Operations Unit, leaving the department short-staffed during the critical early hours.

Sheriff Nanos later acknowledged missteps in the early response. He admitted that Nancy’s home was released as a crime scene too soon and said other agencies could have been involved earlier in the investigation.

Growing National Attention

As scrutiny increases, the FBI has doubled the reward for information leading to Nancy’s location or the arrest and conviction of a suspect to $100,000.

Online reactions continue to grow, with many expressing concern that leadership decisions may have affected the timeline of the investigation.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 after her family dropped her off at her home following dinner. She was reported missing the next day.

The investigation remains ongoing.