Pima County Supervisors Order Hearing on Sheriff Nanos Amid Past Suspensions, Alleged Perjury and Guthrie Disappearance Scrutiny
Pima County supervisors have ordered a hearing for Sheriff Chris Nanos amid renewed scrutiny over the Nancy Guthrie disappearance and past controversies including suspensions and alleged perjury. The action follows reporting that a Nov. 6, 2024 TSA incident found a loaded, undeclared firearm in Nanos’ carry‑on (five rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber) — with no charges filed — and an independent probe that concluded by a preponderance of the evidence that Nanos abused his office for political gain during a tight 2024 race, prompting criticism over allegedly lenient treatment and avoidable protocol failures.
📌 Key Facts
- On Nov. 6, 2024, TSA at a Tucson‑area airport found a loaded, undeclared firearm in Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos’s carry‑on bag; the magazine held five rounds and one round was in the chamber.
- According to the incident report, Nanos missed his flight, secured the weapon in his vehicle and later flew out; no charges were filed in connection with the incident.
- An independent investigation into bullying and retaliation complaints concluded, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Nanos abused his office for political gain during his tight 2024 race against former PCSD Lt. Heather Lappin.
- Local conservative activist Cory Stephens told the Pima County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 12, 2024 that Nanos received more lenient treatment than a private citizen would have over the airport firearm incident.
- Retired FBI agent James Gagliano noted that a law‑enforcement officer could legally fly armed if they followed required declaration protocols, underscoring that the violation was avoidable.
- Fox News Digital reported and obtained the Nov. 6, 2024 incident report and related details in an article covering the controversy (source title: "Sheriff under fire amid Nancy Guthrie case allegedly brought loaded firearm to airport checkpoint").
📊 Relevant Data
In the United States, Black individuals account for about 35% of missing persons reports but only 13% of the population, while White individuals make up a smaller proportion of missing reports relative to their population share.
Missing Persons Statistics 2023 (Infographic) — Black and Missing Foundation
The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people is attributed to a legacy of generations of government policies including forced removal, land seizures, and violence inflicted on Native peoples.
Missing & Murdered Indigenous People/Relatives — Arizona State University Wassaja Center
In Arizona, police accountability is low, with only 5% of misconduct complaints upheld, and there are racial disparities in deadly force incidents ranking in the 50th percentile nationally.
Arizona - Police Scorecard — Police Scorecard
Passengers found with undeclared firearms at TSA checkpoints can face fines up to $15,000, revocation of TSA PreCheck privileges, and possible legal charges, with local law enforcement determining charges.
TSA found over 6,600 guns at airports last year and most of them were loaded — KSBY News
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Fox News Digital obtained a Nov. 6, 2024 incident report stating TSA at a Tucson‑area airport found a loaded, undeclared firearm in Sheriff Chris Nanos’ carry‑on bag, with five rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber.
- The report indicates Nanos missed his flight, secured the weapon in his vehicle and later flew out, and no charges were filed in connection with the incident.
- A separate independent investigation into bullying and retaliation complaints concluded that a ‘preponderance of the evidence’ showed Nanos abused his office for political gain during a tight 2024 race against former PCSD Lt. Heather Lappin.
- Local conservative activist Cory Stephens publicly told the Pima County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 12, 2024 that Nanos received more lenient treatment than a private citizen would have over the airport firearm incident.
- Retired FBI agent James Gagliano is quoted explaining that as a law‑enforcement officer Nanos could have legally flown armed if he had followed required declaration protocols, underscoring the avoidable nature of the violation.