Questions have emerged about the past of Chris Nanos, the Arizona sheriff leading the search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, after records revealed discrepancies in his publicly listed law enforcement history. The findings come at a sensitive moment, with all eyes on Nanos as he oversees a high-profile investigation drawing national attention.
Discrepancy with sheriff’s resume comes to light
Documents obtained by the local paper The Arizona Republic show that Nanos resigned from the El Paso Police Department in 1982, two years earlier than the 1984 date previously listed on his official resume. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged the issue, describing it as “two clerical errors.” In a statement, officials said the discrepancies are “administrative in nature and were not intended to mislead or misrepresent Sheriff Nanos’ work history.” The department has since updated the resume to reflect the corrected dates.
Sheriff Nanos’ disciplinary record detailed in reports
Records cited in The Arizona Republic’s report indicate that Nanos resigned in lieu of termination after a series of disciplinary issues during his time with the El Paso Police Department, including allegations of insubordination, excessive force, off-duty gambling and repeated tardiness. Documents also show he accumulated 26 internal affairs allegations over a five-year period and was suspended or placed on leave without pay for a total of 37 days. In one instance in 1982, he was suspended after allegedly injuring a robbery suspect, although a grand jury declined to indict him. Officials at the time cited “insubordination” and “consistent inefficiency” as reasons for Nanos’ departure.
Sheriff Nanos dismisses criticism
Nanos declined to address the discrepancy in detail when contacted by the media, responding sharply to questions from reporters. “That’s your ‘urgent’ request? You sure you don’t want to go back to my high school and ask why I got swats from the principal?” he wrote in an email, adding, “Good luck with your hit piece.”
Despite the controversy, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department emphasized his long career, stating that he has “demonstrated a steadfast commitment to professionalism, accountability and the safety of the communities he serves.”
Spotlight intensifies amid active high-profile investigation
The revelations came as Nanos leads the ongoing search for Guthrie, who was reported missing on February 1 after being last seen at her home in Tucson. The case has drawn national attention, in part because Guthrie is the mother of television host Savannah Guthrie…