Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has publicly refuted claims made by FBI Director Kash Patel that the agency was excluded from the early stages of the Nancy Guthrie investigation. Nanos stated on "The Sharpe Exchange" that FBI representatives were present from the first day, alongside his department's investigative teams.
Patel had previously alleged that the FBI was kept out of the probe for four days, suggesting this delay hindered the investigation. He claimed that evidence was sent to a private lab in Florida instead of the FBI's facility in Quantico, Virginia, which he believes cost valuable time. "The first 48 hours of anyone’s disappearance are the most critical," Patel said on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast.
Nanos countered these assertions, explaining that his detectives were alerted after the search and rescue team identified a significant find. "They immediately contacted the Violent Crime Task Force and their representatives were there," Nanos said. "They processed that scene early the next morning. The concept or the representation that the FBI was held off and boy, we wish we’d have been there early on, that’s not just even accurate. They were there [on] day one just as my team was."
Nanos, who has faced criticism for his handling of the high-profile case, suggested that Patel might have received inaccurate or incomplete information. "I just think he’s misinformed," Nanos stated. "But when the information is put out there that’s not accurate, I think it hurts the case."
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department had previously maintained that Nanos began working with the FBI "without delay." Nanos assured that the investigation into the disappearance of Guthrie, 84, is ongoing, with scientific labs examining evidence and video footage being analyzed with assistance from private corporations. Thousands of tips are also being reviewed.
Nanos expressed his commitment to supporting Guthrie's family and stated that he shares their hope for her safe return. He also confirmed that the discovery of a burial site would be a critical development and would be revealed.
An image shows FBI agents going door to door in Annie Guthrie's neighborhood to search for Nancy Guthrie.
