Nancy Guthrie: Sheriff Blocks United Cajun Navy Searches – Why?

The Nancy Guthrie disappearance hit day 32, and it seems that resistance grows within the Pima County Sheriff’s Office regarding an experienced volunteer search team. They offered help in the search for the 84-year-old in the Tucson area. What’s actually going on? Read on to find out more.

The Plan That Got Ignored

Investigative journalist Brian Entin recently covered the United Cajun Navy’s offer to help out. However, Sheriff Nanos simply seems more than hesitant to accept their help. On Wednesday this week, he tried clarifying what the problem might be on his Brian Entin Investigates YouTube channel.

Brian revealed what the United Cajun Navy brought to the table. The organization, which helped in searches across the country, submitted “a 41-page operational plan” to the sheriff’s office. It wasn’t some casual suggestion. In fact, the document laid out everything.

According to Entin, the plan included “thermal drone operations, HRD land and water K9 teams, track trail specific canines, ground search volunteers.” Apparently, they can use as many as 25 dogs: cadaver dogs and scent specific dogs. Brian noted that those kind of resources could cover serious ground in the desert terrain around Tucson.

Lots Of Cooperation Mentioned

Importantly, the group made it clear they weren’t looking to take over. And they emphasized in their project proposal, that they would “operate under PCSO command and control.”

Additionally, they made multiple references about the sheriff keeping ultimate authority. Plus, they agreed that they’d not hold independent press releases and that everything would be approved by the sheriff’s office first. Well, none of it mattered to Sheriff Nanos.

Rejection By Nanos

The United Cajun Navy rep sits in Tucson ready to go. But they won’t start searching without the sheriff signing off, and according to Entin, that hasn’t happened.

In fact, the sheriff’s office statement clearly rejected the proposal, noting that volunteer groups were asked to “give investigators the space they need to do their work.” Plus, that sort of thing is “best left to professionals.”

Deputy Union Head Responds

Sergeant Aaron Cross, who heads the deputies union and “speaks more freely than most,” gave his take. That came when Entin asked if he was surprised the sheriff wasn’t taking help in the Nancy Guthrie case.

Cross said the sheriff “likes to control things,” and that probably explains some of it. Then, he also brought up the sheriff’s reportedly “icy relationship with the FBI.” Next, he noted help was turned down in the past on other cases.

True crime watchers can’t get their heads around it. After all, it’s not like the sheriff would turn the whole case over to volunteers. As Entin pointed out, they could be sent to search areas away from the immediate property if that’s a concern. And, more eyes and more dogs seem like they’d only help.

Viewers Weigh In

In the comments section on YouTube, true crime followers voiced their opinions, and they weren’t happy. After all, Nancy Guthrie’s become everyone’s mom in a way.

One person wrote, “What is wrong with that Sheriff? My goodness. This is crazy.”

Here are a few more responses from the discussion that followed:

• EQUUSEARCH wanted to search as well but was told no. What is going on with this case!!? I’ve never heard of searchers not wanted in a missing person case!!!!!!
• This to me I don’t understand. I have seen so many cases that someone is missing. Everyone comes together gets a search plan.
• United Cajun Navy is the best! What is the Sheriff hiding!?!
• I wonder if Savannah knows the sheriff is blocking search parties. I’d be effing livid!

Personality Influences Outlook?

In answer to those questions, Cross had suggested that the sheriff’s personality plays into wanting to keep a tight grip on everything.

When you combine the opinion of Cross with a history of pushing back against outside help, you get the situation playing out right now: a missing 84-year-old case that’s stalling and a family hoping for closure.

What do you think about the sheriff not allowing the United Cajun Navy’s search team’s help? Do you believe it’s all about control? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and come back here for all your true crime news and updates. Plus, we do have a crime channel on TikTok that you can follow.