Arizona Sheriff dismisses Kash Patel’s claim that FBI was cut out of Nancy Guthrie investigation for four days | World News
Sheriff investigating disappearance of Arizona woman Nancy Guthrie rejects FBI director’s claims Kashi Patel Federal agents were blocked from assisting in the critical early stages of the case and say the bureau was involved from day one.Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, speaking on the Sharp Exchange Podcast, disputed Patel’s recent comments that the FBI was excluded from the investigation for four days. Once the search team recognized the seriousness of the case, local investigators immediately contacted the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, Nanos said.“They were like my team from day one,” Nanos said. “The concept or expression that the FBI was delayed, gosh, we wish we had been there sooner, that’s not even accurate.” He added that he believed Patel was given incorrect information and “I just think he was misled.”
dispute evidence handling
Patel criticized local authorities on “The Sean Hannity Show,” saying the FBI had provided assistance but was unable to participate in the early stages of the investigation.“What we at the FBI do is say, ‘Hey, we’re here to help. What do you need?'” said Patel. “For four days we were excluded from the investigation.”He also questioned the decision to send evidence to a private lab in Florida instead of the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia.“I had a fixed-wing aircraft on the ground ready to move it immediately during the night,” said Patel. “We’ll analyze it in a few days and maybe get better information or more information. Our lab is better than any other private lab.”The Pima County Sheriff’s Department previously insisted that investigators began cooperating with the FBI “immediately.”
Investigation is still ongoing
Nearly six months after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie disappeared, investigators are still actively pursuing the case, Nanos said.“We have a lot of evidence that our science labs are working,” he said, adding that authorities were also reviewing video footage with the assistance of private companies while following up on “thousands of tips.”Nanos also said investigators would immediately disclose any burial site discoveries, calling such developments “critical” to the investigation.He added that he would continue to support Guthrie’s family and said if they believed she was alive, he would share that hope while the investigation continues.
