The sheriff at the center of the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has been subject to criticism for concealing his past disciplinary actions. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos’ disciplinary record has been uncovered in recent days, containing a perjury allegation over comments made during a deposition.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to utilize a rare territorial era law regarding Nanos’ conduct. This action will require the Sheriff to be subject to scrutiny under oath. The news comes over 50 days into the 84-year-old’s disappearance, but it will cover over 40 years of the officer’s career.
Chris Nanos was suspended eight times
The law, titled A.R.S. § 11-253, allows for the board to require testimony about “the specific duties of their whatever the position is,” Dr. Matt Heinz, a member of the board of supervisors, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Additionally, the source told the outlet that Nanos will be subject to this hearing on April 7. In the meantime, the board will “draft questions” asking the Sheriff to “defend his employment.”
Local reporters previously found employment records that state Nanos was suspended eight times between July 1979 and June 1982. The now-sheriff was suspended for 32 days in total. Causes for these suspensions include “habitual tardiness” and “excessive force.” One such incident involving the latter saw Nanos hit a man in the head with a flashlight. Subsequently, the man was treated in a local ICU.
Given the significant press attention in Nancy’s suspected abduction, Nanos’ conduct is of major public interest. Nancy’s daughter, TV host Savannah Guthrie, has appealed to the public on numerous occasions. In social media posts, she has pleaded for any information viewers may have regarding her mother’s disappearance.
While Savannah Guthrie has not publicly criticised the authorities, those close to her have expressed doubt about the progress of the investigation. Recently, ABC Senior Legal Correspondent Sunny Hostin said she “doesn’t have a lot of confidence” in FBI director Kash Patel.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE DISCIPLINARY RECORD SHOULD HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY DISCLOSED EARLIER?
