Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has been accused of hindering the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, by demoting the department's senior pilot shortly before she disappeared. The senior pilot, who was responsible for operating the department's $1.7 million Cessna surveillance aircraft, was moved to patrol duty on February 1, the same day Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home.
According to reports, the demotion left the aircraft without a qualified operator. The Cessna, equipped with infrared cameras, was not deployed until 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, by which time approaching darkness rendered its advanced capabilities less useful. Nancy Guthrie, 84, had been reported missing approximately six hours earlier.
Election Rivalries and Pilot Demotion
The Wall Street Journal reported that the demoted pilot had previously supported Lieutenant Heather Lappin in her election campaign against Sheriff Nanos. Nanos won the election by a narrow margin. The report also noted that other individuals who had supported Lt. Lappin's bid for sheriff were also reportedly sidelined or disciplined after Nanos secured re-election. While the demotion was reportedly prompted by a workplace complaint, its timing has drawn scrutiny given the pilot's support for Nanos' election rival.
Investigation and Public Scrutiny
The Pima County Sheriff's Office has faced criticism regarding its handling of the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. Reports suggest that the FBI was allegedly delayed in joining the search efforts. Detectives have also been accused of not giving sufficient attention to dried blood found on the front porch of Guthrie's home, allegedly dismissing it as unrelated to the abduction.
Ransom Notes and Ongoing Investigation
Six months after Nancy Guthrie's abduction, her family, including Savannah Guthrie, issued a public plea for information. The Pima County Sheriff's Office released two ransom notes believed to be from the kidnapper, hoping the distinctive wording might help identify the perpetrator. One note demanded a $4 million ransom, while a second, received days later, claimed Nancy had died.
The notes contained specific details about the home, such as a broken floodlight and a smartwatch found in the bedroom, which led investigators to take them seriously. The FBI has also released surveillance footage showing a masked individual tampering with a camera on Guthrie's front porch prior to her disappearance.
Sheriff Nanos stated that the investigation is active and that detectives are reviewing numerous tips and leads. The family is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery. Authorities have not confirmed whether Nancy Guthrie is still alive.