The sheriff leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is facing new scrutiny after a volunteer search-and-rescue group claimed its offers to help were repeatedly turned away in the crucial early days of the case.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos allegedly refused assistance from the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer organization known for helping law enforcement during disasters, missing-person searches and rescue missions across the country.
Brian Trascher, the group’s vice president, told NewsNation that his team reached out multiple times after Guthrie vanished, hoping to bring in additional resources as the search for the 84-year-old mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie intensified.
According to Trascher, the answer from the sheriff’s office was no.
He said the group was blocked by what he described as a “blanket declaration from the sheriff’s office” against accepting outside help.
The United Cajun Navy believed it could have played an important role in the search, especially because of the possibility that Guthrie may have been taken toward the border.
“We really felt strongly that there was a good chance that she could have ended up somewhere along the border,” Trascher said, adding that the group hoped its work could help bring “some closure” to Guthrie’s worried and ailing family members.
The case has drawn national attention since Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson home on Feb. 1. The search became even more alarming after her alleged abductors reportedly demanded a $6 million ransom and set a deadline for payment.
Trascher said his group sent Sheriff Nanos a detailed plan explaining exactly how it could help. The offer reportedly included K-9 units, drone teams and additional trained volunteers who could serve as extra “eyes, ears, hands and feet” in the search.
“We’re very good at search and rescue,” Trascher said. “We have a lot of good resources we could have brought to the area.”
He also said other partner groups in the region were ready to join the effort.
But now, months later, Trascher believes the window for that kind of help may have passed.
“I think early on when we were closer to the abduction date, it would have been a lot more beneficial,” he said, adding grimly that searchers at this stage would likely “just be looking for remains.”
The new accusation adds to the mounting criticism surrounding Nanos and his handling of the high-profile case.
Earlier this year, FBI Director Kash Patel claimed federal agents were not allowed to investigate the crime scene until four days after Guthrie was reported missing, even though agents were reportedly already on the ground.
Patel also alleged that the sheriff’s office declined an FBI offer to analyze DNA evidence found at the scene.
“We offered our assistance to go test the DNA. And it’s up to them. They chose to use a private laboratory,” Patel told NewsNation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office denied those claims in May, telling Entertainment Weekly that the FBI was notified immediately and that an FBI representative was working alongside local law enforcement from the start.
Still, the latest allegations from the United Cajun Navy are likely to fuel more questions about whether outside help was turned away when every hour mattered.
The Daily Beast reported that it reached out to the sheriff’s office for further comment.
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The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United States, especially in the minority races. Last month I attended a training. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who each explained their beliefs. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Muslim gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Muslim and asked: \’Please, correct me if I\’m wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that\’s the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?\’ There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, \” Nonbelievers\” I responded, \’So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?\’ The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.\’ He sheepishly replied, \’Yes.\’ I then stated, \’Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine The Pope commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!\’ The Muslim was speechless. I continued, \’I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me! Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?\’ You could have heard a pin drop. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the \’Diversification\’ training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims\’ beliefs. In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the US. to elect the President. I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on! This is your chance to make a difference. Just Copy & paste.