Sheriff Chris Nanos of Pima County, Arizona, has publicly responded to allegations made by FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Patel claimed that the FBI was 'kept out' of the investigation initially, despite having resources ready to assist. Nanos refuted these claims, stating that the FBI was involved from the very beginning. He highlighted that both the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI coordinated efforts, with an FBI task force member present at the scene. Nanos's statement emphasized that decisions about evidence collection were made based on operational needs, and the lab utilized for DNA analysis has a collaborative relationship with the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. Patel expressed frustration over the delay in FBI involvement, particularly regarding evidence collection and analysis. He noted that the FBI could have processed DNA evidence more quickly had they been allowed to participate earlier. The investigation continues, with both agencies committed to a thorough and fact-based approach.