Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing mounting public and internal pressure after reportedly 'stonewalling' an offer of specialised search assistance from the United Cajun Navy (UCN).

The Louisiana-based nonprofit, known for its expertise in high-stakes disaster response and missing person searches, submitted a comprehensive 41-page operational plan to the Pima County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) in late February 2026.

The plan reportedly details the deployment of dozens of search dogs and advanced drone technology to sweep the rugged terrain surrounding the Catalina Foothills. However, as of 5 March 2026, Sheriff Nanos has yet to sign off on the proposal, citing concerns over 'contaminating' a live criminal investigation.

This friction occurs as the investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie—mother ofTodayco-anchor Savannah Guthrie—shifts into a more analytical phase. While the 'boots on the ground' presence has dwindled, four PCSO detectives and a sergeant have been formally assigned to a joint task force operating out of the FBI's Tucson field office. ​

'This Case Is Red Hot': Ex-FBI Agent Shuts Down Claims Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation Has Turned 'Cold'https://t.co/nxnmrVbbTbpic.twitter.com/ZPK55UUKEZ

The search for Nancy Guthrie has stretched on since she was first reported missing on 1 February, with public updates arriving in fits and starts as leads are checked and discarded.​

In the past day, one apparent break has also collapsed as DNA fromblack gloves found about two miles from Guthrie's homewas traced to a local restaurant worker who, the sheriff's department said, has no connection to the case.​

NewsNationreported that four detectives and a sergeant from the Pima County Sheriff's Office have been assigned to a task force with the FBI to keep working the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.​

According to the same report, the team will be stationed at the FBI office in Tucson, with the case reaching day 32 without any confirmed sign of Guthrie's whereabouts.​

Sheriff Nanos has meanwhile projected confidence, tellingNBC Newsthat investigators are 'definitely closer' to tracking down a suspect or suspects, while also conceding there are still key things they have not identified.​

Source: International Business Times UK