Who Is Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos? Everything to Know Amid Nancy Guthrie Investigation

February 16, 2026: The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today Show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has put Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos in the national spotlight. As the lead investigator of the high-profile case, Nanos has faced intense media attention while managing a complex investigation.

Who Is Chris Nanos?

Chris Nanos is a veteran law enforcement officer from El Paso, Texas. He started his policing career in 1976 and joined the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in 1984 as a detention officer. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become Chief Deputy and was first appointed Sheriff in 2015. After losing the 2016 election, he returned to office in 2020 and was narrowly re-elected in 2024.

During his decades-long career, Nanos has handled high-profile cases, including the 2011 Tucson shooting that injured U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords. He is married to Charlene Nanos and now oversees a department of approximately 1,500 employees and hundreds of volunteers, serving over one million residents in southern Arizona.

How Is Chris Nanos Handling the Nancy Guthrie Case?
Since Nancy Guthrie went missing on January 31, 2026, Nanos has led a meticulous investigation. His team recovered blood evidence from Nancy’s home, which was returned to her family after careful processing. Surveillance footage showed a masked individual near the property, and forensic evidence, including gloves, is under analysis.

Nanos has faced criticism for attending a University of Arizona basketball game amid the search, but he explained that he needed to decompress to lead his team effectively. Retired U.S. Marshal Tom Morrissey emphasized that law enforcement must balance public transparency with protecting confidential investigative details.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Nanos admitted that cases of this nature take time. Despite pressure from media and the public, he continues to focus on following every lead to locate Nancy Guthrie.

Public Reaction
Chris Nanos has earned both praise and scrutiny. Many appreciate his honesty and leadership, while others critique every decision. He candidly stated, “I’m not used to everyone hanging onto my every word and holding me accountable for what I say,” highlighting the emotional toll of leading such a high-profile investigation.