‘Crisis of confidence’: Pima County board refers Sheriff Nanos to AG over perjury allegations

The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to refer allegations of potential perjury by Sheriff Chris Nanos to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, stopping short of attempting to remove him from office.

The board voted 4-0, with one abstention, to direct the county administrator to forward the allegations to state prosecutors.

The board did not make a statement on whether perjury was committed.

A separate motion by Supervisor Steve Christy to declare the sheriff’s office vacant and begin the process of replacing Nanos failed when no other supervisor supported the action.

Supervisor Rex Scott, who made the motion to refer the matter to the attorney general, said the action came from legal advice. The board does not have the authority to remove Nanos themselves.

Nanos has faced mounting scrutiny over his handling of the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, as well as recent reporting that his official résumé misrepresented his work history with the El Paso Police Department.

A recall petition against Nanos was filed last month.

Scott pointed to a no-confidence vote by the Pima County Deputies Organization in which more than 250 members voted against the sheriff, and none voted in support.

“There is a real crisis of confidence within the department in his leadership,” Scott said, calling on Nanos to publicly acknowledge the problem and present a plan to rebuild trust.

Related

Pima County BOS takes 1st step to compel Sheriff Chris Nanos to explain résumé errorsPima County Sheriff Chris Nanos under a microscope as Nancy Guthrie case in its 2nd weekMark Lamb wins AZ-5 Republican primary, will face newcomer Elizabeth LeeAndy Biggs projected winner in Arizona governor primary, will face Katie HobbsMaricopa County Recorder Justin Heap expects signature verification done by midday WednesdayBefore polls close, Katie Hobbs targets Andy Biggs on primary night