Chris Nanos Sheriff Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Family, Career, Stats, Net Worth

When 84-year-old nancy guthrie—the mother of NBC “Today” show host savannah guthrie—vanished from her Tucson home in early 2026, the nation turned its attention to Chris Nanos, the veteran law enforcement officer leading one of the most high-profile missing persons investigations in recent Arizona history. With nearly 50 years of experience wearing the badge, Sheriff Nanos has built a career marked by relentless dedication to criminal justice, controversial political battles, and an unwavering commitment to the communities of Pima County. From his early days as a 20-year-old police officer in El Paso to overseeing a 1,500-person department across 9,000 square miles of southern Arizona desert, Nanos represents both the old guard of American law enforcement and its evolving future.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Birth and Upbringing

Chris Nanos was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, a border city that would shape his understanding of cross-cultural community policing and transnational crime. Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s in this diverse, binational community provided Nanos with early exposure to the complex dynamics of border security and community relations—experience that would later define his approach to law enforcement in southern Arizona.

Education

Nanos pursued higher education at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he majored in Public Administration and Criminal Justice. This academic foundation provided him with both the theoretical framework of public service and the practical knowledge of criminal justice systems. His choice of major reflected an early commitment to not just enforcing laws, but understanding the administrative and societal structures that support public safety.

Career Journey

Early Career: El Paso Police Department (1976–1984)

Nanos launched his law enforcement career in 1976 at age 20 with the El Paso Police Department. Starting as a young police officer in a major Texas border city, he quickly demonstrated aptitude for investigative work. He earned promotion to Police Detective, spending eight years in this role before making a life-changing move to Arizona. These formative years taught him lessons he still references today—particularly the importance of community cooperation in policing.

“As a young 20-year-old police officer in El Paso, Texas, I quickly learned this job was too tough to do on my own. It required community policing long before the term ‘community policing’ was ever thought of.” — Chris Nanos

Rise Through the Ranks: Pima County Sheriff’s Department (1984–2014)

In 1984, Nanos joined the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) in Tucson, Arizona, starting as a Corrections Officer at the county jail. This entry-level position lasted only one year before his promotion to Deputy in 1985, launching a remarkable 30-year ascent through the department hierarchy:

• 1985: Promoted to Deputy
• 1992: Promoted to Sergeant
• 1999: Promoted to Lieutenant (assigned to Internal Affairs, Homeland Security, and Patrol Substations)
• 2009: Promoted to Captain
• 2012: Promoted to Bureau Chief of Investigative Bureau
• 2014: Promoted to Chief Deputy (second-in-command of 1,500+ employees)

Throughout this period, Nanos specialized in criminal investigations, with particular expertise in violent crimes, sex crimes, and narcotics interdiction. His investigative portfolio included several high-profile cases that would test his leadership under intense scrutiny.

High-Profile Investigations

The Gabby Giffords Shooting (2011)

As Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division, Nanos played a critical role in the investigation of the January 8, 2011 shooting that killed six people and wounded 13 others, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. Managing the crime scene and coordinating the complex investigation, Nanos demonstrated his capacity to handle nationally scrutinized cases with political and emotional dimensions.

The Gary Triano Pipe Bombing (1996–2013)

Nanos investigated the 1996 pipe-bombing death of Gary Triano, a case that required extraordinary persistence. The investigation spanned over 17 years before Triano’s ex-wife was brought to trial, showcasing Nanos’ commitment to long-term investigative diligence.

Sheriff of Pima County (2015–Present)

Appointment and First Election (2015–2016)

In August 2015, Nanos was appointed Sheriff following the resignation of legendary Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, who stepped down after 35 years of service. However, Nanos faced voters in 2016 and suffered defeat to Republican Mark Napier.

Elected Sheriff (2020–Present)

Undeterred, Nanos ran again in 2020, defeating Napier in a razor-thin race—winning by just 0.7% of the vote. He assumed office on January 1, 2021, becoming the elected sheriff of Arizona’s second-most populous county.

Reelection and Controversy (2024)

The 2024 election proved even more contentious. Nanos defeated Republican challenger Heather Lappin by just 481 votes (49.9% to 49.8%) following a contentious recount. The election was marred by controversy when Nanos placed Lappin on administrative leave weeks before the election, accusing her of colluding with journalists. He also suspended Sgt. Aaron Cross for campaigning against him—actions that sparked federal lawsuits and allegations of election interference.

Current Term (2025–2029)

Nanos’ current term runs until January 1, 2029. He oversees a department with nearly 1,500 employees and 400 volunteers, managing a budget exceeding $170 million and covering 9,187 square miles of unincorporated Pima County—including the Tucson metropolitan area and vast stretches of Sonoran Desert bordering Mexico.

Career Stats & Achievements

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Chris Nanos has been married to Charlene Nanos for 38 years (as of 2026), making their partnership one of the enduring constants in his life. The couple met during his early years in Arizona, and Charlene has been described as a crucial support system throughout his demanding career. Unlike many public figures, Nanos has kept his family life largely private—no public information is available regarding children or extended family members.

Community Involvement

Beyond law enforcement, Nanos has demonstrated deep commitment to community service:

• Boys & Girls Club of Tucson: Former Board Member
• Southern Arizona Child Advocacy Center: Former Executive Board Member
• Special Olympics: Longtime volunteer
• Homeowner Associations: Active participant in neighborhood safety initiatives
• 88-Crime Advisory Board: Former member

These activities reflect his belief that effective policing extends beyond enforcement to prevention and youth development.

Hobbies and Interests

While specific personal hobbies remain private, Nanos’ professional statements reveal interests in:

• Community policing program development
• Criminal justice reform (particularly mental health and bail reform)
• Sports (spotted attending University of Arizona basketball games)
• Volunteer work with at-risk youth

Controversies

2024 Election Interference Allegations

Nanos’ most significant controversy emerged during the 2024 reelection campaign. Weeks before the election, he placed his opponent Heather Lappin on administrative leave and prohibited her from speaking about the investigation. He also suspended Sgt. Aaron Cross, head of the Pima County Deputies Organization, after Cross campaigned against him holding a sign reading “Deputies Don’t Want Nanos.”

• Lawsuits: Both Lappin and Cross filed federal lawsuits alleging First Amendment violations and retaliation
• Investigation: Nanos faced a criminal election interference investigation regarding these actions
• Outcome: Despite controversy, he won reelection by 481 votes

2022 Sexual Assault Case Handling

In September 2023, the Pima County Board of Supervisors requested an investigation by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office into Nanos’ handling of a 2022 sexual assault involving a female deputy assaulted by her supervisor.

• Findings: No criminal wrongdoing, but violations of departmental rules including:
• Failing to provide help to a deputy in danger
• Failing to act in an official capacity
• Failing to document staff involvement
• Failing to properly secure evidence

Nanos defended his actions, stating he was protecting the victim from re-victimization—a claim disputed by the Board of Supervisors.

Budget Disputes

Throughout 2023, Nanos clashed with the Board of Supervisors over a $3.3 million budget shortfall, attributed to inflation and staffing shortages. The board eventually fully covered the overage, but tensions remain.

Nancy Guthrie Investigation Criticism (2026)

While leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, Nanos faced scrutiny for:

• Being spotted at a University of Arizona basketball game during the active investigation
• Delayed deployment of search aircraft due to a dispute with the pilot (who was subsequently demoted)
• Perceived lack of progress in identifying suspects

Awards & Achievements

• Repeated Recognition: For dedication to community work and volunteering
• Special Olympics Volunteer Recognition: For ongoing support of athletic programs for individuals with disabilities
• Pima Regional Critical Incident Team: Created first-of-its-kind multi-agency team in Arizona for investigating officer-involved shootings
• Body-Worn Camera Implementation: Successfully deployed cameras to all uniformed personnel
• Citizens Advisory Review Board: Established civilian oversight with full access to internal affairs and disciplinary processes

Physical Statistics

Note: Specific physical statistics are not publicly available as Sheriff Nanos maintains privacy regarding personal details.

Quotes

“As a young 20-year-old police officer in El Paso, Texas, I quickly learned this job was too tough to do on my own… At times a warrior is needed, however, it is guardianship that ultimately builds that trust and relationship so desperately needed in our communities.”

“We believe Nancy is still out there… We want her home.” — Regarding the Nancy Guthrie disappearance, February 2026

“Wow. You have to have hope. Come on, this is somebody’s mom. We’re going to find her and then hopefully she’s alive when we do.” — On maintaining hope in the Guthrie case

Favorites

While Sheriff Nanos has not publicly disclosed personal favorites, his professional priorities include:

• Favorite Aspect of Job: Criminal investigations, particularly solving violent crimes
• Favorite Community Program: Youth crime prevention and mentorship
• Favorite Sports Team: University of Arizona Wildcats (attended basketball games)
• Favorite Quote Philosophy: Community policing and guardianship over warrior mentality

Salary & Net Worth

Salary Information

Under Arizona Revised Statute §11-419, sheriffs in counties with populations over 500,000 (including Pima County) earn $120,824 annually as of January 1, 2025.

Net Worth Estimate

Estimated Net Worth: $500,000–$1 million

This estimate is based on:

• 50 years of law enforcement salaries (ranging from entry-level to executive)
• Public sector pension benefits
• Real estate holdings in Tucson area
• No known significant private business ventures or investments

Note: As a public servant, Nanos’ financial disclosures are limited compared to private sector executives.

Interesting Facts

1. 50-Year Career Milestone: By 2026, Nanos has spent exactly 50 years in law enforcement—a rare achievement in modern policing where average careers span 20-25 years.
2. Border Expertise: Having worked in both El Paso and Tucson, Nanos possesses unique expertise in U.S.-Mexico border security issues, recently joining the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF) in 2025.
3. Razor-Thin Victory: His 2024 reelection margin of 481 votes represents one of the closest sheriff’s races in Arizona history.
4. Mental Health Advocate: Nanos has publicly stated that over half of Pima County jail inmates are on psychotropic medications, advocating for mental health treatment over incarceration for non-violent offenders.
5. Staffing Crisis Leadership: He manages a department at 96% authorized strength (1,479 positions), though he notes this is the lowest staffing level in three decades despite population growth.
6. Gabby Giffords Connection: Nanos investigated the shooting of Arizona’s most famous congresswoman, creating a lasting connection to one of the state’s most traumatic events.
7. Aviation Controversy: His department operates high-tech search aircraft, though his management of aviation resources has drawn criticism during the Guthrie investigation.

Did You Know?

• Chris Nanos started his career when Gerald Ford was President and has served under nine U.S. presidents.
• He has worked for only two law enforcement agencies in 50 years—demonstrating unusual loyalty and stability.
• The Pima County Sheriff’s Department covers an area larger than the state of New Jersey.
• Nanos’ wife Charlene has been present for both his defeat (2016) and two victories (2020, 2024).
• He is one of the few elected sheriffs in Arizona who began his career as a corrections officer rather than a patrol deputy.

Social Media Links

• Official Website: https://www.pimasheriff.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 520-351-4700
• Facebook: Pima County Sheriff’s Department
• Twitter/X: @PimaSheriff
• Instagram: @pimasheriff
• YouTube: Pima County Sheriff’s Department

Note: Sheriff Nanos does not appear to maintain personal social media accounts separate from the official department channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Chris Nanos been Pima County Sheriff?

Chris Nanos has served as Sheriff since January 1, 2021, when he assumed office after winning the 2020 election. He was previously appointed sheriff from August 2015 to 2016 but lost that year’s election. Including his appointed term, he has served approximately 6 years as sheriff over two separate periods.

What is Chris Nanos’ salary as Pima County Sheriff?

As of January 1, 2025, Sheriff Nanos earns $120,824 annually according to Arizona state statute §11-419, which governs salaries for county officers in large counties.

Who is Chris Nanos’ wife?

Sheriff Nanos has been married to Charlene Nanos for 38 years (as of 2026). She is frequently mentioned in his official biography as a crucial support system throughout his law enforcement career.

What high-profile cases has Chris Nanos investigated?

Nanos has led several major investigations including: the 2011 Gabby Giffords shooting (as captain of criminal investigations), the 1996 Gary Triano pipe-bombing (17-year investigation), and the ongoing 2026 Nancy Guthrie disappearance—mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie.

Is Chris Nanos a Democrat or Republican?

Chris Nanos is a member of the Democratic Party. He won his 2020 and 2024 elections as a Democrat in a historically competitive jurisdiction.

What controversies has Chris Nanos faced?

Nanos has faced several controversies including: allegations of election interference in 2024 for placing his opponent on administrative leave; criticism over his handling of a 2022 sexual assault investigation involving a deputy; and scrutiny regarding his management of the Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation.

Where did Chris Nanos start his law enforcement career?

Nanos began his career in 1976 with the El Paso Police Department in Texas, where he worked for eight years before joining the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in 1984.

Conclusion

Chris Nanos represents a dying breed of American law enforcement—career officers who rose through every rank, from corrections officer to sheriff, over five decades of service. His tenure has been marked by both significant achievements in community policing and criminal investigation, and considerable controversy regarding his political tactics and management decisions. As he leads the desperate search for Nancy Guthrie under intense national scrutiny, Nanos’ legacy continues to evolve. Whether remembered for his investigative expertise or his contentious political battles, there is no doubt that Chris Nanos has left an indelible mark on Arizona law enforcement.

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