As the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie enters its twelfth day, a brewing jurisdictional battle between federal and local authorities may be stalling the investigation. While the FBI recently increased the reward for information to $100,000, law enforcement sources indicate that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is actively impeding the bureau’s access to critical physical evidence.
Guthrie, the mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off at her Catalina Foothills home following a family dinner.
Because she has extremely limited mobility and could not have wandered off, investigators concluded early on that she was abducted by force, likely for ransom. However, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the case says that the “fastest path to answers” is being blocked by local red tape.
The central point of contention involves evidence recovered from the scene, including a glove and DNA samples. The FBI reportedly requested that these items be processed at their national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia—a facility known for its advanced forensic capabilities.
READ: Increased Cash Reward And New Video Details Released In Nancy Guthrie Investigation
Instead, Sheriff Nanos has allegedly insisted on using a private laboratory in Florida, a move that has cost the county roughly $200,000 so far and effectively keeps the evidence out of federal hands.
Under current laws, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department maintains primary jurisdiction. Unless the county officially requests federal intervention, the FBI is legally restricted in how much they can participate. The anonymous official criticized this delay, noting that the decision to bypass federal resources risks slowing down a case where time is of the essence.
“Anything less only prolongs the Guthrie family’s grief,” the official stated, citing unspecified “earlier setbacks” in the probe.
In a press update, the Sheriff’s Department confirmed they have recovered several items, including gloves, but did not elaborate on why they chose a private lab over the FBI’s services. A spokesperson for the sheriff did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the alleged friction.
READ: FBI Raises Reward To $100K, Releases Detailed Suspect Profile In Nancy Guthrie Abduction
While the agencies clash over forensics, the FBI continues to plead for public help. They are searching for a man between 5’9″ and 5’10” with an average build, last seen carrying a black, Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.
Neighbors remain under request to submit doorbell camera footage from the month preceding the February 1 disappearance, as the community waits to see if the internal conflict between agencies will hinder the recovery of the missing 84-year-old.
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