Arizona Sheriff Blocks FBI Access To Evidence In Nancy Guthrie Case
4 weeks ago
An Arizona sheriff is blocking FBI access to key evidence in the investigation into the abduction of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie, hampering the agency’s ability to assist in the probe, a law enforcement source told Reuters.
The FBI had asked Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos to turn over physical evidence — including a glove and DNA samples from Guthrie’s Tucson residence — for processing at the bureau’s national crime lab in Quantico, Virginia.
Instead, the sheriff has insisted on sending the evidence to a private lab in Florida — effectively denying the FBI direct access, according to the official. That choice has slowed down federal involvement in the investigation, the source said.
Sheriff Nanos’ office did not immediately comment on the matter. The sheriff’s department maintains it has recovered several items of evidence and submitted all viable material for analysis.
Authorities believe Guthrie, last seen Jan. 31 in the Tucson area, was forcibly abducted due to her limited mobility and need for daily medication. FBI assistance in the case is contingent on a formal request from the county, which holds primary jurisdiction.
The FBI has doubled the reward to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s location or an arrest.
The FBI had asked Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos to turn over physical evidence — including a glove and DNA samples from Guthrie’s Tucson residence — for processing at the bureau’s national crime lab in Quantico, Virginia.
Instead, the sheriff has insisted on sending the evidence to a private lab in Florida — effectively denying the FBI direct access, according to the official. That choice has slowed down federal involvement in the investigation, the source said.
Sheriff Nanos’ office did not immediately comment on the matter. The sheriff’s department maintains it has recovered several items of evidence and submitted all viable material for analysis.
Authorities believe Guthrie, last seen Jan. 31 in the Tucson area, was forcibly abducted due to her limited mobility and need for daily medication. FBI assistance in the case is contingent on a formal request from the county, which holds primary jurisdiction.
The FBI has doubled the reward to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s location or an arrest.
