The sheriff leading the investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, is facing severe criticism and a formal recall effort after allegations emerged that he spends more time exercising at the gym than working on the case. As the search enters its seventh week with no arrests or suspects named, tensions are escalating over the handling of the probe.
Allegations of Neglect in High-Profile Case
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, 70, has been accused of mishandling the investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted from her $1 million home in Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of February 1. Despite a massive joint effort by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, the search has so far yielded no breakthroughs, leaving Savannah Guthrie, 54, and her family in continual heartbreak.
Gym Visits Versus Office Hours
According to reports, Nanos was spotted at his office only twice over a recent five-day period, spending approximately seven hours each day there. In contrast, during that same timeframe, he visited the gym four times for workouts lasting around 90 minutes each. This disparity has fueled accusations that he is not dedicating sufficient time to the urgent investigation, drawing public outrage and scrutiny.
Recall Effort Gains Momentum
Republican congressional candidate Daniel Butierez has confirmed that he has initiated the recall process to remove Nanos from office. Butierez claims to have 500 volunteers working to collect at least 120,000 signatures on a petition, which is the first step in the lengthy recall procedure. He stated, 'He has been an embarrassment to Tucson and to Pima County with this Nancy Guthrie case,' highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with the sheriff's performance.
Internal Tensions and Investigation Challenges
Sources close to the investigation have revealed that Nanos is allegedly 'locking down' the probe, keeping key decisions to himself and two of his highest-ranking inner circle members. This approach has sidelined a small team of relatively inexperienced investigators, leading to internal friction and accusations of crucial errors in the initial hours of the search. One law enforcement source noted that Nanos will 'only let himself or two of his handpicked staffers make decisions on the case,' exacerbating tensions with federal agents.
Grim Outlook and Family Anguish
An investigator from the sheriff's office somberly suggested that Nancy Guthrie is likely dead, citing her age, health problems, and the duration of her captivity. 'Is she alive? I think that’s very unlikely,' the source said. 'Everybody is coming to grips with that. She’s elderly, had health problems and to survive in captivity for so long… we obviously don’t know for sure, but it would be a miracle.' Savannah Guthrie had previously acknowledged this possibility in a gut-wrenching social media video, stating, 'She may be lost. She may already be gone.'
Support for Recall and No-Confidence Vote
Butierez further disclosed that Pima County deputies had wanted to start the recall process themselves but feared retaliation from Nanos. He added that police in the county held a unanimous vote of no confidence in the sheriff recently. Butierez took up the recall initiative because, as a congressional candidate, he feels less vulnerable to interference, saying, 'I’m a congressional candidate... and I don’t see Nanos messing with me.'
Rewards and Ongoing Efforts
Amid the controversy, the Guthrie family has announced a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy's return, while the FBI has offered an additional $100,000 for details that result in her rescue. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Pima County Sheriff's Office for comment, but responses are pending as the community and authorities continue to grapple with this distressing case.
