Arizona Sheriff Leading Nancy Guthrie Case Faces Ouster Over Perjury Claims

Local officials in Arizona are demanding the removal of Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, the lead investigator in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, amid serious allegations that he committed perjury during a deposition. At least two county supervisors plan to file a motion to oust Nanos if he does not resign by Tuesday, marking 100 days since Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home.

The controversy centers on sworn testimony Nanos gave in an unrelated lawsuit, where he denied ever being suspended while serving as a police officer in El Paso, Texas, before joining the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the 1980s. However, records obtained by CBS News reveal multiple suspensions for infractions including "unnecessary violence" and tardiness. Dr. Matt Heinz, a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, said the disciplinary board in El Paso had unanimously decided Nanos was unfit to be a police officer due to a "whole host of problems."

"He has definitely lost the confidence of the community. He's embarrassed himself, and it's time for him to go," Heinz said bluntly.

In response, Nanos's attorney claimed the sheriff misunderstood the deposition question because the El Paso Police Department is not governed by Arizona's Peace Officer Bill of Rights. The letter said Nanos recognized the confusion shortly after the deposition and informed his attorney.

This push to remove Nanos comes just days after FBI Director Kash Patel publicly criticized the sheriff's handling of the Guthrie investigation. Patel accused the department of delaying FBI involvement, claiming on Sean Hannity's podcast that federal agents were kept out for four days. The sheriff's office countered by releasing a statement from Nanos asserting that an FBI task force member was present the night Guthrie was reported missing, with a joint news conference held two days later.

Despite the timing, Heinz insists the effort to oust Nanos is unrelated to the Guthrie case and instead focuses on his problematic record.

"In no way has the Guthrie investigation ever factored into this. It really hasn't," Heinz said.

The situation highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency in law enforcement leadership, especially when high-stakes investigations demand public trust. As the Nancy Guthrie case drags on without resolution, the controversy over Sheriff Nanos threatens to further undermine confidence in those charged with finding answers.