FBI Director Kash Patel has accused local police in Arizona of hindering the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC star Savannah Guthrie. Patel claimed that the Pima County Sheriff's Department prevented FBI agents from accessing the scene for four days, delaying crucial evidence collection.
Critical Delay in Investigation
Speaking on Sean Hannity's podcast, Patel stated that while Guthrie's case was initially a state matter, the FBI was deliberately kept out by Sheriff Chris Nanos's department. 'For four days we were kept out of the investigation,' Patel said, emphasizing that 'the first 48 hours of anyone's disappearance are the most critical.' He argued that this delay was particularly damaging because early intervention could have yielded better leads.
Once the FBI was finally allowed to participate, agents quickly obtained footage from a Ring doorbell and collaborated with Google to extract data. This led to the release of an image showing a masked man at Guthrie's home. 'That's why you have that image, because the FBI worked with Google to put that image out,' Patel explained.
Sheriff's Office Disputes Claims
The Pima County Sheriff's Office responded to Patel's allegations, stating that Sheriff Nanos was present at the scene on the night of the incident and that an FBI Task Force member was also notified and worked alongside local personnel. 'We have worked in close partnership from the outset,' the statement read, adding that the investigation remains coordinated and fact-based.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills. She is believed to have been taken against her will in the early hours of February 1. Despite over 93 days of investigation, authorities have not identified a suspect, and the case remains unsolved.
Criticism of Sheriff's Handling
Sheriff Chris Nanos has faced ongoing criticism for his management of the case. Reports indicate that the department failed to deploy a fixed-wing Cessna aircraft equipped with thermal imaging cameras for nearly half a day after Guthrie was reported missing, due to a staffing shortage of qualified pilots. Additionally, crime scene tape around Guthrie's home was reportedly put up and taken down multiple times.
Nanos is also under scrutiny for allegedly misrepresenting his work history. The Arizona Republic reported that during a December 2025 deposition, Nanos testified he had never been suspended while a police officer, despite records suggesting otherwise. Nanos denies these claims, but the Pima County Board of Supervisors could potentially remove him from office if the allegations are substantiated.
The FBI has deployed hundreds of agents and intelligence personnel to the region for the case, offering full support to expedite the investigation. Patel remains critical of the initial delays, stating that earlier FBI involvement could have provided better information.
