Sheriff Faces Recall Over Handling of Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping. Here’s What He Says About It

**Pima County Sheriff Faces Recall Amid Backlash Over Kidnapping Case**

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is currently under significant scrutiny as a recall effort gains momentum, led by Daniel Butierez, a Republican congressional candidate. The initiative aims to remove Nanos, a Democrat, from his elected position, following criticisms surrounding his handling of the high-profile kidnapping case involving Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie.

Nanos has confirmed awareness of the recall, stating, “It’s the right of the people,” and emphasised his commitment to respecting democratic processes. The sheriff’s comments came amidst rising tensions as the search for Guthrie continues. She was reported missing on February 1, after being last seen at her home in Tucson on January 31. Investigators believe she was abducted, with evidence including surveillance footage showing a masked individual at her residence and ransom notes circulated to media outlets.

As the search enters its seventh week, concerns are escalating not only about Guthrie’s whereabouts but also over the lack of suspects. Butierez, who is spearheading the recall campaign, labelled Nanos’ management of the situation as “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” He expressed that the rise in crime within the community reflects a broader failure in leadership throughout Pima County.

According to reports from 13 News, the recall effort was officially initiated on March 12. In response, Nanos reiterated his commitment to the public, stating that he would always honour the will of the people. However, the sheriff’s response has not quelled criticism, especially from political opponents.

Recent media scrutiny has also raised questions about Nanos’ previous work history. A report by The Arizona Republic disclosed that he resigned from the El Paso Police Department in 1982, two years prior to what his public resume claimed. Allegations surfaced suggesting he resigned to avoid termination due to disciplinary issues, including accusations of insubordination and excessive use of force. Officials later clarified that these discrepancies were administrative in nature and unintentional.

Amidst the recall effort and scrutiny, Nanos’ department is concurrently grappling with a separate legal challenge—a $1.35 million lawsuit from a former inmate at the Pima County Jail. The complainant, Christopher Marx, alleged negligence in COVID-19 precautions during his time in custody, putting his life at risk.

As the investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance proceeds, Nanos has made several public statements highlighting the dangers posed by those responsible for the kidnapping. He indicated during an interview with NBC News that authorities believe Guthrie was “targeted,” which raises broader safety concerns for the community. “It’d be silly to tell people, ‘Don’t worry about it. You’re not his target.’ You could be,” he warned, raising alarms about public safety amid the ongoing investigation.

The Guthrie family, meanwhile, has been actively raising awareness about Nancy’s case. Savannah Guthrie has taken to social media, posting heartfelt appeals for public assistance in locating her mother. In a show of significant commitment, the FBI has offered a reward of $100,000 for information leading to her whereabouts, whilst the Guthrie family has upped the stakes with a $1 million reward and a $500,000 donation to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

As the search continues, the community remains on edge, with many awaiting progress in the investigation. Local law enforcement is urging anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to come forward, providing two contact avenues: the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.

The evolving narrative of this case and the accompanying political implications reflect the complex relationship between public safety and political accountability. The outcomes of both the recall effort and the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping remain to be seen, as the situation develops and community concerns become more pronounced.