Pima County Board of Supervisors Declines to Remove Sheriff Chris Nanos, Refers Perjury Allegations to Arizona Attorney General
- 17GEN4
- May 13
- 3 min read
Pima County Supervisors Vote to Keep Sheriff Chris Nanos — Perjury Case Referred to AZ Attorney General | 17GEN4 News
TUCSON, Ariz. — May 13, 2026 — In a late-night decision Tuesday that caps weeks of mounting controversy, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted against removing or disciplining Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos despite ongoing concerns about his leadership, department morale and allegations of perjury tied to his past work history.
The board’s action came during a special meeting on May 12, 2026, where supervisors reviewed Nanos’ written responses to a detailed list of questions about his tenure, management of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, personnel issues and financial matters. The questions were issued under an obscure territorial-era law from the 1870s that potentially allows the board to pursue removal proceedings.
Supervisor Steve Christy, the board’s lone Republican, made a motion to vacate the sheriff’s office. The motion failed immediately when no other supervisor seconded it. A subsequent motion by District 1 Supervisor Rex Scott to take “no action to declare the office of sheriff vacant, nor to move to the removal of the sheriff” passed 4-0, with Christy abstaining.
Instead of pursuing further disciplinary steps, the board unanimously agreed to refer allegations of potential perjury against Nanos to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office for review and possible investigation. The perjury claims center on Nanos’ sworn deposition in an unrelated lawsuit filed by the president of the Pima County Deputy’s Organization. Supervisors allege he falsely denied ever being suspended during his early career as a police officer with the El Paso Police Department in the 1980s. Records reportedly show multiple suspensions for infractions including unnecessary violence and tardiness.
Board members expressed continued frustration with Nanos’ leadership even as they voted to retain him. Chair Jennifer Allen stressed the importance of strong leadership, stating, “Leadership from our sheriff is so incredibly important. And what I hope we see in the path ahead, is true leadership that looks out for the interest of the full team.” Supervisor Rex Scott highlighted the “extraordinary climate of distrust” within the department and community, urging Nanos to take immediate and sustained steps to repair it. He specifically referenced the Pima County Deputy’s Organization’s March 2026 vote of no confidence — in which 241 members called for Nanos to resign, with zero votes of confidence and 65 abstentions.
In a post-meeting interview with KOLD News 13, Sheriff Nanos acknowledged the divisions and pledged to address them. “It is my responsibility to find a way to get my team to work better, to work in a cohesive way and to help with that division that exists there, and that’s what we’ll work for,” he said. He added that he plans to meet directly with union leadership. A statement from the Sheriff’s Department echoed that commitment, noting that public safety remains the top priority and that Nanos will work constructively with the union to resolve concerns.
The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of the high-profile investigation into the January 31, 2026, abduction of Nancy Guthrie — mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie — from her Catalina Foothills home. As of Tuesday, more than 100 days had passed with no arrests despite a $1.2 million reward and ongoing FBI involvement. Some supervisors and critics have linked the scrutiny of Nanos to frustrations over the pace of that case, though the board’s questions focused more broadly on his overall conduct and history.
Legal counsel advised the board that its authority to remove the sheriff is limited, which influenced the decision to punt the perjury matter to the Attorney General rather than pursue internal removal proceedings.
As of Wednesday morning, May 13, there have been no further statements from the Attorney General’s office, and the Sheriff’s Department continues to lead the Guthrie investigation alongside federal partners. Nanos remains in office and has not indicated any plans to resign.
17GEN4 News will continue monitoring developments in this high-profile local political story, including any response from the Attorney General and updates on departmental morale and the Guthrie case. 17GEN4.com
Pima County Supervisors Vote to Keep Sheriff Chris Nanos — Perjury Case Referred to AZ Attorney General | 17GEN4 News
Breaking: Pima County Board of Supervisors declines to remove Sheriff Chris Nanos on May 12, 2026. Motion to vacate office fails; perjury allegations over El Paso PD history referred to Attorney General. Board urges trust-building amid union no-confidence vote and Nancy Guthrie investigation. Latest updates from Tucson.
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