Guthrie Sheriff’s Former Political Rival Rips Chris Nanos’ Handling of Investigation (Exclusive)

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lt. Heather Lappin, who narrowly lost the 2024 Pima County sheriff's race to incumbent Democrat Chris Nanos by just 481 votes, launched a scathing attack on Nanos's handling of the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation in Tucson, Arizona, claiming his leadership has compromised the search for the elderly woman who was violently taken from her home more than three weeks ago. Lappin, a former Nanos lieutenant, described the current sheriff as a 'tyrant' who runs Pima County like 'a mafioso,' criticizing his handling of the high-profile investigation that has now expanded to include the FBI with no significant leads emerging. The political rivalry between the two law enforcement officials has intensified since the razor-thin election, with Lappin alleging professional retaliation and character assassination campaigns orchestrated by Nanos since her defeat. The article details the contentious relationship between Lappin and Nanos, which deteriorated significantly after Lappin challenged him for the sheriff's position. Following her loss, Lappin claims she was transferred to a corrections role at the Pima County Adult Detention Center despite having no experience in that field, a move she believes was punitive. She further alleges that during her final months with the department, she became the target of 13 internal affairs investigations in just six months and was subjected to intimidation tactics when Nanos allegedly sent his captains to monitor her campaign events. These alleged retaliations culminated in Lappin being placed on administrative leave, which she described as being under 'house arrest,' prompting her to file a $2 million lawsuit against the department. Lappin specifically criticizes Nanos's approach to the Guthrie investigation, suggesting his ego and poor leadership decisions have hampered the search effort. She claims that three of the best homicide detectives in southern Arizona were removed from the Homicide division because they supported her in the election, weakening the department's capabilities. Lappin questions why Nanos hasn't made the FBI the lead agency given their superior resources, and addresses the recent $1 million reward for information leading to Guthrie's recovery, noting that the family wanted it offered from day one but that law enforcement discouraged the idea. In response, Nanos stated that his focus remains on justice and transparency, and that political commentary distracts from the active investigation.