dailyloe.com – Pima County Supervisors attempted to remove Sheriff Chris Nanos during a meeting on Tuesday night, but the move failed. The board did, however, vote to refer perjury allegations against Nanos to the state attorney general’s office. This decision comes amid scrutiny over Nanos’ handling of the Nancy Guthrie case and his past record.
Republican Steve Christy proposed declaring the sheriff’s office vacant and starting the process to replace him. Unfortunately, no one seconded the motion, leading to its failure. Following this, Democrat Rex Scott motioned to refer the perjury allegations against Nanos, which the board approved by a 4-0 vote, with Christy abstaining.
Scott expressed concerns about Nanos’ lack of effort to rebuild trust within the sheriff’s department. He noted that the Pima County Deputy’s Organization unanimously declared no confidence in Nanos’ leadership. This situation underscores significant tensions and challenges within the department.
The controversy centers on allegations that Nanos misled officials about his disciplinary history while serving as a police officer in Texas. Claims emerged from a deposition in a lawsuit where Nanos stated he had never been suspended from law enforcement. These allegations have intensified the focus on his qualifications and integrity.
Sheriff Nanos has faced mounting pressure from county leadership, with supervisors Christy and Democrat Matt Heinz advocating for his removal. Heinz referred to Nanos as a “public safety threat,” emphasizing the need for accountability. The ongoing discourse highlights the critical questions surrounding leadership within the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.
