Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has characterized a newly surfaced letter sent to TMZ, which claims to possess a video of the missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, as likely another false or fake ransom note. Nanos, who is leading the investigation into Guthrie's disappearance near Tucson, Arizona, stated that such hoaxes are a "shame" and can cause unnecessary disruption.
"I think the FBI has done a number of arrests for false or fake ransom notes. It's a shame that that happens, but I think we're looking at another one of those today," Nanos said during an interview on local radio outlet KVOI AM 1030. He added that while public interest is helpful, it can be "abused" by individuals fabricating claims.
The recent note, reportedly sent by the same individual who sent previous communications, allegedly states that Guthrie was captured on "the day that was probably her last" and claims two people were responsible for her kidnapping. The author also purportedly offered to provide a phone password in exchange for one bitcoin. This contradicts the Pima County Sheriff's Office's working principle that Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, is still alive.
Earlier communications in the case included a Feb. 2 note demanding millions in Bitcoin for Guthrie's return and a Feb. 6 note stating she had died. Later in February, a series of emails were reportedly sent to TMZ demanding payment for information about Guthrie's alleged abductors.
Sheriff Nanos acknowledged that two of the earlier notes might possess some legitimacy, with the FBI currently investigating those claims. "Those two… that someone believes may or may not have some legitimacy to them, and the FBI is working that," Nanos stated, adding that further details would be inappropriate as the investigation is ongoing.
Nanos has faced scrutiny regarding his handling of the case. In May, a bid to force him out of his position did not advance. Separately, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to refer potential perjury allegations to the Arizona attorney general following reports that Nanos had allegedly misrepresented his work history on a public resume and in a sworn deposition.