Pima County Sheriff Sued for $1.35 Million During Kidnapping Search

The Pima County Sheriff's Department is facing a $1.35 million lawsuit, adding pressure during the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie. This is a significant financial claim against the department.
By Newsroom | Law, Crime |

PIMA COUNTY, AZ - Sheriff Chris Nanos and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department are entangled in a substantial legal challenge, facing a lawsuit for a reported $1 million to $1.35 million. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, stems from allegations that Nanos endangered inmates' lives within the jail. This legal action is running concurrently with the department's ongoing, high-profile investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie.

Arizona Sheriff in Charge of Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Sued for £1 Million: 'I Could Have Died' - 1

The lawsuit, lodged by inmate Christopher Michael Marx, asserts that a sheriff's department deputy moved between jail units, including one under COVID-19 quarantine, without proper disinfection. Marx claims this action jeopardized his life and accuses Sheriff Nanos of failing to enforce existing laws designed to protect inmates. The complaint also names the Pima County Sheriff's Department as a defendant. Marx is reportedly seeking not only financial compensation but also an apology from the department.

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Arizona Sheriff in Charge of Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Sued for £1 Million: 'I Could Have Died' - 2

While the lawsuit is reportedly unrelated to the Guthrie kidnapping, it introduces a layer of public and administrative pressure on Sheriff Nanos and his department as they navigate the complex and prolonged search for Nancy Guthrie. The Sheriff's Department has stated that Sheriff Nanos will not comment on pending litigation.

Arizona Sheriff in Charge of Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Sued for £1 Million: 'I Could Have Died' - 3

Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson-area home over a month ago. Despite the passage of time and little publicly revealed progress, Sheriff Nanos has publicly claimed that investigators are making headway. He has indicated that the department believes Guthrie is still alive and is pursuing numerous leads. Authorities confirmed that blood spatter found on Guthrie's front porch belonged to her, and her doorbell camera was disconnected in the early hours of the morning she disappeared. The Sheriff's Department has faced scrutiny for releasing Guthrie's home as a crime scene shortly after she was reported missing, potentially allowing for contamination of evidence. Gloves were later discovered at various distances from the residence.

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Arizona Sheriff in Charge of Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Sued for £1 Million: 'I Could Have Died' - 4

The investigation has drawn national attention, partly due to the fact that Nancy Guthrie's daughter, Savannah Guthrie, is a co-anchor on NBC's "Today" show. Sheriff Nanos has defended his department's handling of sensitive information, stating that revealing too much detail would be "neglectful" and "irresponsible" for a law enforcement leader. He has assured the public that the department possesses information crucial to solving the case.

Adding to the departmental turmoil, a former lieutenant, Heather Lappin, has reportedly described Sheriff Nanos as a "tyrant." The lawsuit filed by Marx is one of several potential legal entanglements, with one report referencing a suit seeking £1 million. This financial and legal strain adds complexity to an already demanding investigation, as the department's resources are reportedly being "refocused" on the Guthrie case.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos being sued for $1.35 million?
Sheriff Nanos and the Pima County Sheriff's Department are being sued for up to $1.35 million. The lawsuit claims a deputy did not properly disinfect after visiting a COVID-19 quarantine unit, putting inmate Christopher Michael Marx's life at risk and accusing the Sheriff of not enforcing protection laws.
Q: How does the lawsuit affect the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation?
The lawsuit adds public and administrative pressure on Sheriff Nanos and his department while they are already busy with the high-profile kidnapping investigation of Nancy Guthrie. The department's resources are reportedly being refocused on the Guthrie case.
Q: What is the latest on the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation?
Nancy Guthrie vanished over a month ago from her Tucson-area home. The Sheriff's Department believes she is still alive and is following many leads. Blood spatter found on her porch was confirmed to be hers, and her doorbell camera was turned off early the morning she disappeared.
Q: Has the Pima County Sheriff's Department released any new information about the Guthrie case?
Sheriff Nanos stated that the department has important information to solve the case but is not revealing details to avoid being neglectful or irresponsible. He assured the public that progress is being made in finding Nancy Guthrie.
Q: Are there other issues facing the Pima County Sheriff's Department?
Yes, a former lieutenant described Sheriff Nanos as a 'tyrant.' The department is also dealing with the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie and the separate $1.35 million lawsuit regarding inmate safety.