The officer overseeing the search for Nancy Guthrie — the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie — has been branded a 'vindictive bully' and an 'egocentric individual' by his own former superior in a public rebuke. Rick Kastigar, who served as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos's direct supervisor for 37 years, appeared on the 23 March episode of 'Brian Entin Investigates', a YouTube programme hosted by correspondent Brian Entin, where he discussed his concerns about the investigation's direction.
Kastigar was direct in his assessment, recounting how colleagues had approached him with warnings about Nanos long before the case thrust the sheriff into the national spotlight. 'What I was told is he's a bully by many people who would come to me and personally relate, "Look, Rick, the guy works for you. He's patronising you, but he's a bully to all of his subordinates,"' Kastigar told Entin. He added that it was only after Nanos became sheriff — and Kastigar served as his second-in-command — that he personally witnessed the conduct described to him. 'And then I became strongly aware of the type of egocentric individual he is, how vindictive he is, and how vain he is,' he said.
'Talking to Anybody and Everybody'
Beyond the character assessment, Kastigar raised serious concerns about Nanos's conduct specifically in relation to the Nancy Guthrie investigation. Kastigar alleged that Nanos had been more focused on media engagement than on coordinating with federal authorities. 'He's out there, you know, talking to anybody and everybody that he could instead of coordinating with the FBI and perhaps ensuring that the proper collaboration of investigators in this valley got together and started to rethink the evidence that they had,' Kastigar said.
Kastigar further described how the sheriff appeared to operate with a closed-ranks mentality that he believes has been detrimental to the case. 'And what I'm troubled by this investigation is that the sheriff took this to a we're in charge... We're it. We don't need anybody's help. So be it,' he told Entin. These remarks build on reporting that noted that Pima County investigators, including those working the Guthrie case, are considered less experienced than previous homicide details, with Kastigar himself pointing out that many detectives have only been in their roles for two years since a wave of veteran retirements.
Seven Weeks On, No Suspect
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since the early hours of 1 February 2026, when authorities believe she was abducted from her home in the Catalina Foothills neighbourhood of Tucson, Arizona. Doorbell camera footage captured a masked and gloved individual near the property entrance shortly before her disappearance, and multiple ransom notes have since been found. After more than seven weeks, no suspect has been publicly identified.
Sheriff Nanos has faced growing criticism throughout the investigation. The New York Post reported that Nanos was seen at his Tucson office just twice during a seven-hour observed window between 7 and 11 March, while making multiple visits to the gym. Nanos has acknowledged a recall effort against him and told reporters it is 'the right of the people.'
In a February interview, Nanos rejected criticism of the investigation, saying 'internal or political commentary distracts from this active investigation.' He also pushed back on claims of a rift with the FBI, saying the two agencies maintain 'a great working relationship.' Nanos did not respond to a request for comment on Kastigar's specific allegations.
Kastigar also offered a personal theory about what may have happened to Nancy, one that has not been confirmed by law enforcement. Speaking to Entin, he suggested she was likely taken to Mexico by multiple abductors who intended to use her as leverage for financial gain, but that the plan may have unravelled. 'My theory is that she's passed... My theory is that they have nothing — they being the perpetrators — really have nothing with which to bargain any further,' he said.
As of late March 2026, no suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has been publicly identified and the investigation remains active. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has not publicly addressed Kastigar's allegations.
