Nancy Guthrie Sheriff Chris Nanos Faces $1.3M Lawsuit Over Controversial Case Handling

The sheriff leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is now being sued for over a million dollars, according to News Nation. According to Newsweek, a lawsuit was filed against Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department by an Arizona inmate seeking $1.35 million.

The inmate suing Nanos and the department is identified as Christopher Michael Marx. Marx, an inmate at the Pima County Jail, alleged that his life was endangered, filing a lawsuit on March 5 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.

Marx alleged that Nanos and the department violated Article Two of the Arizona State Constitution, also known as the Declaration of Rights. According to reports from Newsweek, Marx claimed his life was put in jeopardy after one of the sheriff’s deputies did not properly disinfect himself. Nanos also allegedly failed to ensure COVID-19 protocols were being followed, even though another unit was being quarantined after an inmate contracted the virus.

“I could have died,” Marx reportedly wrote in the lawsuit, referring to possibility of contracting the virus. He said he is seeking compensation to buy a home for unhoused people. He also requested an apology from Nanos and asked the department to “make sure that they properly disinfect their body when the deputies are working two units at a time.”

Nanos has gained nationwide recognition for his role in handling the search for Nancy Guthrie, who disappeared more than a month ago. Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has now been missing for 39 days, and her whereabouts remain unknown. A joint search operation is being conducted across the state and along the border.

Surveillance footage gathered by investigators suggests that Nancy Guthrie was abducted during the late night or early morning hours from her home in Arizona. Although multiple ransom notes have been reported, Guthrie has yet to be located.

Previously, when asked by reporters whether Guthrie was dead or alive, Nanos replied that there was no evidence showing she was deceased. Nanos has been leading the investigation since the case began. Several videos have also been posted online by Guthrie’s family declaring rewards for people who come forward with information that can help track Nancy Guthrie.

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has shaken the nation.