Other Sheriff Chris Nano's issues/recall/votes of no confidence/past suspensions

[tricia]

This thread is to discuss the issues Sheriff Chris Nanos is having.
There is a recall effort.
There was a vote of "no confidence" with the deputies
Along with general criticism of the Sheriff in how he handled the Guthrie case.
You can discuss Sheriff Nano's here, but please no name-calling, and if you accuse the Sheriff of certain things, please make sure you have an appropriate link to back up your statement of fact about the Sheriff.
Here are a few things to get you started.

Nancy Guthrie Update: Former Pima County Sheriff Claims Chris Nanos 'Corrupted' Crime Scene

'Today' co-anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother, 84, is still missing eight weeks after the abduction from her Tucson, Ariz., home.

parade.com

Efforts to recall Sheriff Chris Nanos, plus ICE agents at airports as TSA workers go without pay - AZPM

news.azpm.org

Pima County could question Sheriff Chris Nanos: Here's what to know

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos may soon be questioned by the county's Board of Supervisors amid "reported issues concerning [his] work history." Here's what to know.

www.fox10phoenix.com

Exclusive | Sheriff Chris Nanos accused of turning Nancy Guthrie case into bungling ego trip — and FBI is desperate to take over

“It is a common belief in this agency that this case has become an ego case for Sheriff Nanos,” said Sgt. Aaron Cross, president of the Pima County Deputies Organization.

nypost.com

Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie Case Accused of Hiding Disciplinary Past

Old internal affairs documents show Chris Nanos was suspended eight times for a total of 34 days as a member of the El Paso Police Department, including once for "excessive force."

www.hollywoodreporter.com

 

[Miss Poovy]

This thread is to discuss the issues Sheriff Chris Nanos is having.
There is a recall effort.
There was a vote of "no confidence" with the deputies
Along with general criticism of the Sheriff in how he handled the Guthrie case.
You can discuss Sheriff Nano's here, but please no name-calling, and if you accuse the Sheriff of certain things, please make sure you have an appropriate link to back up your statement of fact about the Sheriff.
Here are a few things to get you started.

Nancy Guthrie Update: Former Pima County Sheriff Claims Chris Nanos 'Corrupted' Crime Scene

'Today' co-anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother, 84, is still missing eight weeks after the abduction from her Tucson, Ariz., home.

parade.com

Efforts to recall Sheriff Chris Nanos, plus ICE agents at airports as TSA workers go without pay - AZPM

news.azpm.org

Pima County could question Sheriff Chris Nanos: Here's what to know

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos may soon be questioned by the county's Board of Supervisors amid "reported issues concerning [his] work history." Here's what to know.

www.fox10phoenix.com

Exclusive | Sheriff Chris Nanos accused of turning Nancy Guthrie case into bungling ego trip — and FBI is desperate to take over

“It is a common belief in this agency that this case has become an ego case for Sheriff Nanos,” said Sgt. Aaron Cross, president of the Pima County Deputies Organization.

nypost.com

Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie Case Accused of Hiding Disciplinary Past

Old internal affairs documents show Chris Nanos was suspended eight times for a total of 34 days as a member of the El Paso Police Department, including once for "excessive force."

www.hollywoodreporter.com

This is more of a question: legally does the Sheriff have to answer the Board’s questions? It has been my understanding that Sheriffs answer to the voters & public and basically the way to get a Sheriff out of office is a recall election.

I’ve scrolled through the Arizona sites regarding Sheriffs and I’ve only see information about their responsibilities. Example:

11-441 - Powers and duties

 

[MCB1151]

This is more of a question: legally does the Sheriff have to answer the Board’s questions? It has been my understanding that Sheriffs answer to the voters & public and basically the way to get a Sheriff out of office is a recall election.

ARS 11-251
16. Fill by appointment all vacancies occurring in county or precinct offices.

I am assuming that perhaps this comes into play if one resigns? Which I would assume if there's enough heat on this one there may be a polite "recommendation" to resign. I mean, seems like career suicide to end up getting recalled through an election and not just say "this didn't go as well as I hoped" and step down.

 

[Miss Poovy]

I agree.

 

[Andreee]

ACLU sues for more records on Pima County Sheriff Department's interaction with Border Patrol, ICE

This is the latest lawsuit to stem from a request the ACLU’s state chapter made last summer, asking for copies of incident reports in which sheriff’s deputies called or otherwise interacted with ICE and Border Patrol.

www.kjzz.org

 

[Andreee]

Pizza Delivery to Crime Scene? Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie Case Accused of 'Corrupting' Probe

The Nancy Guthrie disappearance case grows more perplexing nearly two months after she was last seen on January 31, 2026. The FBI now searches areas near her Arizona home for clues, while new criticism targets Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos over crime scene management.

www.aol.com

 

[Cassie P]

I heard another podcast before this and the same thing was said. Very inexperienced detectives and no homicide cases for the lead detective. I believe this was on The Interview Room. It’s not really a surprise, though, knowing what we know about the turnover in the sheriff’s department.

It's all fun and games, politics, fighting over money, power, ego. People being fired or quitting, lots of office drama, grandstanding, etc. Brain drain and lack of expertise.

Then we see a grandmother fighting for her life where every hour matters. Needing all LE hands on deck, every ounce of talent, experience, and a well managed LE workplace.

I have not followed the political LE drama in this county. I don't know who is at fault. But the buck stops with the good citizens of the county who elected these officials over and over again. These people let NG down and hung her out to dry with their bad decision making regarding local LE. Color me disgusted.

 

[moxiemom]

It's all fun and games, politics, fighting over money, power, ego. People being fired or quitting, lots of office drama, grandstanding, etc. Brain drain and lack of expertise.

Then we see a grandmother fighting for her life where every hour matters. Needing all LE hands on deck, every ounce of talent, experience, and a well managed LE workplace.

I have not followed the political LE drama in this county. I don't know who is at fault. But the buck stops with the good citizens of the county who elected these officials over and over again. These people let NG down and hung her out to dry with their bad decision making regarding local LE. Color me disgusted.

I live in Pima County, voted against Nanos the last 2 elections, and do not accept responsibility for what happened to Nancy! He only won the last election by less than 500 votes and did everything he could to shut down his opponent's run for the office (one of his own deputies who ran against him!!) Please don't paint Tucson & Pima County residents with such a negative brush because there was a lot going on behind the scenes in the sheriff's department that the general public didn't know about. Over the last couple of years the deputies started speaking out, quitting, and all the s--t became public. There was already no way he would have been re-elected in the next election, before this case. It's unfair of you to blame everyone in Pima County.

 

[MerlinFalcon]

I live in Pima County, voted against Nanos the last 2 elections, and do not accept responsibility for what happened to Nancy! He only won the last election by less than 500 votes and did everything he could to shut down his opponent's run for the office (one of his own deputies who ran against him!!) Please don't paint Tucson & Pima County residents with such a negative brush because there was a lot going on behind the scenes in the sheriff's department that the general public didn't know about. Over the last couple of years the deputies started speaking out, quitting, and all the s--t became public. There was already no way he would have been re-elected in the next election, before this case. It's unfair of you to blame everyone in Pima County.

I agree. And I’m sure if the people knew what we know about him now, he wouldn’t have won. I really hope people take this recall attempt seriously because there is no way he will resign.

I’m just listening to Duty Ron’s podcast where they replayed Sgt Cross’ episode from February in which he explained how all the experienced detectives and seargents were shipped out because of issues with Nanos. Nancy is paying the price because he wouldn’t put his ego aside and bring them in to work this case.

 

[Napoli]

Cassie P said:
It's all fun and games, politics, fighting over money, power, ego. People being fired or quitting, lots of office drama, grandstanding, etc. Brain drain and lack of expertise.

Then we see a grandmother fighting for her life where every hour matters. Needing all LE hands on deck, every ounce of talent, experience, and a well managed LE workplace.

I have not followed the political LE drama in this county. I don't know who is at fault. But the buck stops with the good citizens of the county who elected these officials over and over again. These people let NG down and hung her out to dry with their bad decision making regarding local LE. Color me disgusted.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBM Color me practical. The residents of PIMA COUNTY are many. While this case seemed urgent and high profile, there are other pressing matters within this jurisdiction. There were 2 rapid response, highspeed, guns a blazing take downs of 2 potential perps. Le acted quickly and decisively. Their efforts yielded nothing.

In 2025, all 13 murder cases were solved. The FBI has been involved with THIS case since day 2. All LE hands on deck, every ounce of talent etc that you referenced above, discounts every other need in this area. Children go missing daily in the USA and parents grieve and CHILDREN are vulnerable and fragile and would fight for their lives too. No one life is MORE important than another. There isn't an infinite amount of talent or resources anywhere. It must be apportioned according to priorities and time and urgency. Much like a hospital, all things must be triaged.

Listening to disgruntled co-workers and taking up the noble banner of their political infighting seems petty to me. Maybe, just maybe, all the kings horses and all the kings men wont be able to solve this case. ~50% of murders go unresolved in the USA. Laying blame at anyone's feet, be it the citizenry who voted him in or the media hype pointing to departmental disarray only perpetuates noise and rumor and sows distrust and destroys morale. IMO

 

[moxiemom]

Cassie P said:
It's all fun and games, politics, fighting over money, power, ego. People being fired or quitting, lots of office drama, grandstanding, etc. Brain drain and lack of expertise.

Then we see a grandmother fighting for her life where every hour matters. Needing all LE hands on deck, every ounce of talent, experience, and a well managed LE workplace.

I have not followed the political LE drama in this county. I don't know who is at fault. But the buck stops with the good citizens of the county who elected these officials over and over again. These people let NG down and hung her out to dry with their bad decision making regarding local LE. Color me disgusted.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBM Color me practical. The residents of PIMA COUNTY are many. While this case seemed urgent and high profile, there are other pressing matters within this jurisdiction. There were 2 rapid response, highspeed, guns a blazing take downs of 2 potential perps. Le acted quickly and decisively. Their efforts yielded nothing.

In 2025, all 13 murder cases were solved. The FBI has been involved with THIS case since day 2. All LE hands on deck, every ounce of talent etc that you referenced above, discounts every other need in this area. Children go missing daily in the USA and parents grieve and CHILDREN are vulnerable and fragile and would fight for their lives too. No one life is MORE important than another. There isn't an infinite amount of talent or resources anywhere. It must be apportioned according to priorities and time and urgency. Much like a hospital, all things must be triaged.

Listening to disgruntled co-workers and taking up the noble banner of their political infighting seems petty to me. Maybe, just maybe, all the kings horses and all the kings men wont be able to solve this case. ~50% of murders go unresolved in the USA. Laying blame at anyone's feet, be it the citizenry who voted him in or the media hype pointing to departmental disarray only perpetuates noise and rumor and sows distrust and destroys morale. IMO

The person sowing distrust and destroying morale is Nanos!!! NO ONE trusts or supports him anymore.

 

[shonyakay]

Nancy is paying the price because he wouldn’t put his ego aside and bring them in to work this case.

Sounds like sour grapes to me. Nancy is paying the price because these detractors are taking the focus off of Nancy.

 

[Cassie P]

I live in Pima County, voted against Nanos the last 2 elections, and do not accept responsibility for what happened to Nancy! He only won the last election by less than 500 votes and did everything he could to shut down his opponent's run for the office (one of his own deputies who ran against him!!) Please don't paint Tucson & Pima County residents with such a negative brush because there was a lot going on behind the scenes in the sheriff's department that the general public didn't know about. Over the last couple of years the deputies started speaking out, quitting, and all the s--t became public. There was already no way he would have been re-elected in the next election, before this case. It's unfair of you to blame everyone in Pima County

Sorry to ruffle feathers, that is not my intent. I am standing up for Nancy Guthrie and the Guthrie family.

The reality is that in a in a democracy We The People are responsible for their leaders.

That is where the buck stops. With us, the people.

I believe this with all my heart. My father was career US military and he always said that the US Air Force signed his paycheck, but he worked for the American people. We the people are the bosses, we hire the leaders.

Pima County learned this lesson the hard way. They dropped the ball and let Nancy down.

 

[shonyakay]

For context: Nanos went through an approximately 9-month vetting process over 42 years ago when Pima County deliberately chose him. He was then reelected by the voters in 2015/2016. Hiring decisions were made by HR and the Board of Supervisors - not Nanos himself.

Savannah nor anyone else in the Guthrie family have publicly stated anything negative regarding the Sheriff and PCSD. When Hoda asked Savannah about the investigation she said the investigators have worked tirelessly and they have seen it.

 

[MerlinFalcon]

For context: Nanos went through an approximately 9-month vetting process over 42 years ago when Pima County deliberately chose him. He was then reelected by the voters in 2015/2016. Hiring decisions were made by HR and the Board of Supervisors - not Nanos himself.

Savannah nor anyone else in the Guthrie family have publicly stated anything negative regarding the Sheriff and PCSD. When Hoda asked Savannah about the investigation she said the investigators have worked tirelessly and they have seen it.

He failed to tell them he was suspended multiple times in his previous job, including for beating a handcuffed man so badly he ended up in ICU. Nanos should never have been a cop after that.

 

[shonyakay]

He failed to tell them he was suspended multiple times in his previous job, including for beating a handcuffed man so badly he ended up in ICU. Nanos should never have been a cop after that.

I’d also like it confirmed that the resume he used at the time of those initial job applications or subsequent ones was really wrong. The complaints have been about a career timeline on a website. In his interview with KVOI, the local Tucson station, he mentioned that Pima County had received a letter from his former employer in Texas and it recommended him, but with a very clear caveat, and that he (Nanos) agreed with that caveat. He’d essentially been given a second chance in Arizona.

Also, if his claim about PCSD’s homicide clearance rate is correct, that’s significant.

 

[shonyakay]

He failed to tell them he was suspended multiple times in his previous job, including for beating a handcuffed man so badly he ended up in ICU. Nanos should never have been a cop after that.

Regarding El Paso...

“I did all kinds of things there, but I also was a very young officer, the first 20-year-old. And as a kid back then, I didn't think of myself as a kid, but now looking back, I go, yeah … every piece of discipline I got, whether it's crashing a car or coming into work late, I can't argue with that. It was what it was. Was I insubordinate with the chief? All of those things may have been possible.”
- Sheriff Nanos

The Arizona Republic reported that in a December 2025 deposition, Nanos was asked if he'd ever been suspended, and he testified he had not. Nanos, on Friday, said he thought it was a question about his track record with the Pima County Sheriff's Department, not his career overall.

"You're going to hold me to my past, then why wouldn't you hold yourself to yours? We all have pasts, but you don't live in your past. You learn from it, and you move on."
- Sheriff Nanos

 

[SaraSmile]

Sorry to ruffle feathers, that is not my intent. I am standing up for Nancy Guthrie and the Guthrie family.

The reality is that in a in a democracy We The People are responsible for their leaders.

That is where the buck stops. With us, the people.

I believe this with all my heart. My father was career US military and he always said that the US Air Force signed his paycheck, but he worked for the American people. We the people are the bosses, we hire the leaders.

Pima County learned this lesson the hard way. They dropped the ball and let Nancy down.

Pima County will likely recall Nanos, or pick another sheriff in the next election, dig out of their dysfunction for a better future. I’m not defending the Sheriff with the following, just trying to separate out various thoughts:

As for NG, no matter who the sheriff was, it likely would not have made any difference in finding NG alive, sorry, JMO.

Since Annie, Sheriff and others started 8 hours after NG’s disappearance, with the abductors long gone, and no ransom note for 1.5 days, when it did come, no proof of life, NG was probably already gone. IMO.

I realize there were a few hours there, where some on here think with a better sheriff, NG maybe could have been found alive, saved.

I understand holding out hope for that last shred of life, and that is honorable, but highly unrealistic in this situation . MOO

Yes, there’s a chance for a change now in Pima county, better future( we hope)
No, it would have made no difference in this case, as far as saving NG. MOO

As far as evidence in the NG case, if it goes to court, in the future, yes, there could be a problem, some evidence could be thrown out .In that sense NG could be failed by Sheriff Nanos.

MOO. JMO

 

[MerlinFalcon]

Brian Entin’s latest source blasted Nanos for many things. He says morale is terrible because of him. He also said they treated Nancy’s disappearance as a walkaway. Wouldn’t Annie have told them it’s impossible because she couldn’t walk far? Did they ignore her? Did they not see blood?

I doubt Nancy was alive when she was taken from her home but boy did they mess this up in the critical early hours.

 

[shonyakay]

Brian Entin’s latest source blasted Nanos for many things. He says morale is terrible because of him. He also said they treated Nancy’s disappearance as a walkaway. Wouldn’t Annie have told them it’s impossible because she couldn’t walk far? Did they ignore her? Did they not see blood?

I doubt Nancy was alive when she was taken from her home but boy did they mess this up in the critical early hours.

Yet Homicide was immediately brought to the scene per AB's source. There was obviously at least two lines of inquiry being followed from the get - which is standard operating procedure.

That anonymous person is not even a part of this investigation lol.