Pima County Supervisors Refer Perjury Allegations Against Sheriff Nanos to AG After Ouster Bid Fails

The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to refer perjury allegations against Sheriff Chris Nanos to the Arizona Attorney General’s office, following a failed attempt to immediately remove him from his position. Republican Supervisor Steve Christy moved to declare the sheriff's office vacant due to Nanos' handling of the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation and alleged false testimony regarding his past disciplinary record. However, the motion lacked a second and was defeated. Subsequently, the board unanimously approved referring the perjury claims to state authorities. The controversy centers on Nanos’ sworn statement that he was never suspended as a law enforcement officer, contradicting records from his time with the El Paso Police Department in the 1980s. While Nanos’ legal team argues his testimony referred only to his Arizona career, supervisors assert he resigned in lieu of termination in Texas. This decision marks a significant escalation in the political and legal pressure facing the elected sheriff, with officials citing a loss of trust within the department and potential criminal liability as key concerns.