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Exclusive: TUCSON, Ariz. — Sheriffs are investigating the alleged kidnapping of a “Today” show anchor. Savannah Guthrie’s The mother was spotted sitting near the front row of a college basketball game Saturday night, even as Guthrie and her two siblings made plaintive pleas on Instagram for their mother’s safe return.
Fox Digital News obtained a photo of Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who is facing increasing scrutiny as the investigation proceeds Nancy GuthrieThe disappearance continued while he was attending a game between Arizona and Oklahoma State. Early Sunday morning marked one year since Guthrie, 84, disappeared from his home in suburban Tucson.
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos was seen attending a basketball game. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)
The source of the photo, who requested anonymity, slammed Nanos for taking part in the competition while the search continues.
“I don’t think it’s a good move. This whole thing is so new, across the country and even around the world,” the source said. “I don’t think he did anything good by doing it. He was a major part of the investigation, so it doesn’t look good to me. It was very sad to see him at an Arizona State basketball game.”
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos was seen attending a basketball game. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)
Just minutes after the game, Savannah Guthrie and sisters Annie and Camron shared a third message on the NBC star’s Instagram page, begging would-be blackmailers to contact them.
“We got your message and we understand. We are begging you now to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her,” Savannah Guthrie said, sitting between her siblings. “This is the only way we can have peace. It is very valuable to us and we will pay the price.”
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos was seen attending a basketball game. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)
A second statement from the alleged kidnapper was sent to 13 News in Tucson on Friday. Details of the statement have not been made public, but the message did not provide proof of life.
Nanos are under attack He has been criticized twice in recent days for his handling of investigations.
Fox Digital News learned Friday that a key part of the investigation was delayed due to a dispute between Nanos and the pilot of the Sheriff’s Department’s high-tech search plane. After the dispute, the pilot was demoted to street patrol.
Savannah Guthrie posted a new video on Instagram pleading to her kidnappers. (Savannah Guthrie/Instagram)
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As a result, the plane’s departure was delayed by three hours after the investigation began.
“The three hours it took to find the vulnerable adult seemed like an eternity,” a law enforcement source with knowledge of the situation told Fox News Digital.
The Pima County deputy organization said it disagreed with the decision to transfer the “high-performing airman” at the time because it left a critical law enforcement asset short-staffed.
On February 3, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos spoke to the media in Catalina, Arizona, while answering questions about the search for Nancy Guthrie. (Jan Sonnenmeier/Getty Images)
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“The pilot even made a personal request to Sheriff Nanos, but it was ignored and he was assigned to patrol,” a union official told Fox Digital. “Unfortunately, this is typical of Chief Nanos’ leadership style. The department’s most experienced search and rescue deputy was moved to patrol late last year without anyone to replace him, simply because he ‘was there too long.’ This left a critical unit short-staffed during one of the most high-profile searches in PCSD history and the busiest time of year for search and rescue.”
Nanos also admitted in an interview on Friday that arizona republic he did Other early missteps Under investigation.
He said his department prematurely classified Guthrie’s home as a crime scene, only to Return in a few days Retrieve additional evidence. Nanos acknowledged that the scene should have remained secure longer and other agencies could have intervened earlier.
FBI agents search Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson on Friday, February 6, 2026. Guthrie was last seen Saturday night as the investigation into her disappearance continues. (Kate Ramirez, Fox News Digital)
he has received Harsh criticism of X Those following the investigation called him a “bumbling idiot” and a “complete embarrassment.”
Nano has become law enforcement officials He began his career with the El Paso, Texas Police Department in 1976.
In 1984, he became officer of the Pima County Correctional Facility and was promoted to deputy director the following year.
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Over the next 30 years, as he rose through the police ranks, he focused on violent crime, sex crimes and narcotics. In 2012, he became chief of the department’s investigative bureau, and in 2014, he became deputy chief.
Drone footage captures the home of missing person Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Arizona, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, was suspected of being abducted from her home earlier this week. (Fox Flight)
The following year, he was appointed Sheriff, but lost the 2016 election and failed to retain the position. In 2020, he ran again and won by a narrow margin.
His 2024 re-election bid, which he won by just 481 votes, was marred by scandal.
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In the weeks leading up to the election, Nanos It is said He placed his opponent, Lappin, a lieutenant at the Pima County Jail, on administrative leave and ordered her not to discuss the reasons for his decision. He did the same thing to Sgt. Aaron Cross is an outspoken opponent of Nanos and the head of the Pima County representative group.
Cross, who campaigned against Nanos before taking leave, reportedly held a sign on a street corner that read “Councillors Don’t Want Nanos.” Nanos claimed Cross violated department rules by wearing a Pima County Sheriff’s uniform to oppose him, but Cross denied this. fork Submit later The federal lawsuit against Nanos claims the sheriff violated his First Amendment rights.
Nancy Guthrie, daughter of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, shows support in the Tucson, Arizona metropolitan area on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as the search for Nancy, who was reported missing, continues. (Sejal Govindrao/AP Photo)
So nano It is said He faces an investigation for criminal election interference over the matter.
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The Sheriff also Facing the heat for his handling of an internal investigation into the 2022 sexual assault of a congresswoman by a supervisor.
Fox News’ Stephanie Price contributed to this report.
