Supervisors reject removal of sheriff accused of perjury in Guthrie case

An attempt to remove Sheriff Chris Nanos from Condado from Pima failed Tuesday during a vote by Junta from Supervisores, but the board approved forwarding perjury charges to the state attorney general. Nanos faces allegations that he lied under oath about his disciplinary record as a police officer with Texas during the 1970s and 1980s. The case gained prominence amid criticism over his handling of the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie.

Votação rejects motion for immediate dismissal

Republican Supervisor Steve Christy filed a motion to declare the sheriff vacant and begin the immediate replacement process. Nenhum colleague supported him, causing the vote to be rejected. Next, Democratic supervisor Rex Scott proposed referring the perjury allegations against Nanos to the state attorney general, a measure approved by a 4-0 vote, with Christy abstaining.

The decision marks a significant political impasse. Embora supervisors rejected direct dismissal, but recognized the seriousness of the allegations by approving their referral to state authorities. Nanos maintains his position while investigations continue at the state level.

Registros reveals police career suspensions

Documentos of Polícia of El Paso, initially obtained by Arizona Republic and later released publicly by the county, reveals that Nanos was suspended multiple times and resigned rather than be fired. The allegations originated from testimony in court proceedings in which Nanos stated under oath that he had never been suspended as a police officer.

The sheriff’s defense maintains that his testimony referred exclusively to his career at Arizona, where he did not suffer suspensions for decades at Departamento of Xerifes of Condado of Pima. Memorandos confirm that Nanos resigned from Polícia’s Polícia in 1982 to avoid a proposed suspension following a dispute with a supervisor. Supervisor Matt Heinz disagrees with this interpretation, arguing that the records clearly show that Nanos resigned to avoid dismissal, not just discipline.

• Registros of El Paso indicate multiple suspensions in the 1970s and 1980s.
• Nanos claimed under oath that he had never been suspended as a police officer.
• Defesa argues that the statement referred only to his career at Arizona.
• Supervisor Heinz characterizes Nanos as a threat to public security.

Sequência from events at Tuesday’s meeting

The high-stakes confrontation at Tuesday’s meeting involved a series of strategic actions. Christy filed motion for immediate vacancy, rejected without support. Scott proposed forwarding charges to the attorney general, approved by a vote of 4 to 0. Nanos filed a written response rejecting charges of perjury. Christy pointed out that the sheriff missed the deadline to answer questions under oath. Heinz declared that conviction for perjury would force Nanos out of office.

The dynamics revealed clear divisions. Supervisores Democrats seek action through state channels, while Christy pushed for immediate removal. Christy’s abstention in the final vote signaled frustration with the majority’s more cautious approach.

Complicações legal and financial costs

Remover the sheriff presents significant legal complications. Como elected official, Nanos has robust constitutional protections. Supervisores cite Arizona’s rare law dating back to the 1800s as a possible path. Ambos the sides hired outside legal counsel rather than turning to the county attorney’s office, a move that Christy said is costing taxpayers additional resources.

Heinz indicated the board could take other actions, including addressing a lack of trust in leadership or referring allegations for criminal investigation by the state attorney general. Ele also noted that perjury conviction would force the sheriff out.

Investigação Guthrie exceeds 100 days without public advances

The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie occurred on February 1, and the investigation now exceeds 100 days with little public progress. The case attracted national attention and sparked tension between Nanos and the FBI, including a public confrontation with director Kash Patel over whether federal agents were initially removed. Heinz formally requested that Nanos transfer the investigation to federal authorities. A $1.2 million reward has been offered for information leading to answers, as the family continues to appeal for help.

Rex Scott directly criticized Nanos’s leadership after the vote. “My main concern with what has been happening in the sheriff’s department is that our elected sheriff has not taken discernible efforts to repair relationships and trust in our largest department,” Scott said. “The most telling example was the unanimous vote by Organização of Deputados of Condado of Pima declaring a lack of confidence in their leadership.”