Pima County Board of Supervisors Reports Sheriff Chris Nanos to State Attorney General

May 13, 2026, 06:34
USPolitics

Introduction

The Pima County Board of Supervisors has decided not to remove Sheriff Chris Nanos from his position, but they have formally reported allegations of perjury against him to the state attorney general.

Main Body

The current conflict started because of differences between Sheriff Nanos' official testimony in a 2024 legal case and his old employment records. During a legal meeting, Nanos claimed that he had never been suspended from his police duties. However, records from the El Paso Police Department show several suspensions for poor performance and disobedience, which led to his resignation in 1982 to avoid being fired. Nanos' lawyers argue that his testimony only referred to his time working in Arizona and that the Texas records are not relevant. In contrast, Supervisor Matt Heinz emphasized that the Sheriff is a threat to public safety and has avoided taking responsibility for his actions. Supervisor Steve Christy tried to have Nanos removed from office, but this motion failed because no other member supported it and legal advisors said the Board has limited power to remove an elected official. Nevertheless, the Board voted 4-0 to send the perjury allegations to the state attorney general. This decision follows a 'no confidence' vote from the Pima County Deputy's Organization. Furthermore, Supervisor Christy noted that the use of independent legal counsel by different parties has cost taxpayers more money. At the same time, there is an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The case has lasted over 100 days without a major breakthrough, which has caused tension between Nanos and federal authorities. Specifically, Nanos had a public disagreement with FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the use of federal agents. Consequently, Supervisor Heinz has suggested that the entire investigation should be moved to federal control due to the lack of progress in the kidnapping case.

Conclusion

Sheriff Nanos will stay in office while the state attorney general reviews the perjury claims and the investigation into Nancy Guthrie continues.

Learning

⚡ The 'Connection' Upgrade: Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, you likely use words like and, but, and so to connect your ideas. To reach B2, you need to use Transition Markers. These are words that tell the reader exactly how two ideas relate to each other without using basic conjunctions.

🧩 From A2 to B2: The Evolution

Look at how the article transforms a simple story into a professional report by swapping basic words for "Bridge Words":

Instead of (A2)...Use this (B2)...Effect on the Reader
ButNeverthelessShows a surprising contrast.
Also / AndFurthermoreAdds a professional layer of extra info.
SoConsequentlyShows a direct, logical result.
ButIn contrastHighlights a specific difference between two people.

🔍 Real-World Application

Let's dissect the logic used in the text:

  1. The "Surprise" Logic: "...legal advisors said the Board has limited power... Nevertheless, the Board voted 4-0 to send the perjury allegations..."

    • The logic: Even though they couldn't fire him (bad news), they still found a way to punish him (action).

  2. The "Result" Logic: "Nanos had a public disagreement with FBI Director Kash Patel... Consequently, Supervisor Heinz has suggested..."

    • The logic: Event A (the fight) led directly to Event B (the request for federal control).

💡 Pro-Tip for Fluency

To sound like a B2 speaker, stop starting every sentence with the subject (e.g., "The Sheriff...", "The Board..."). Start your sentences with these markers followed by a comma.

Example: Furthermore, the costs are rising.

This small change shifts your writing from a 'list of facts' to a 'coherent argument,' which is the primary requirement for the B2 level.

Vocabulary Learning

conflict (n.)
a serious disagreement or argument between people or groups
Example:The conflict between the two departments lasted for months.
allegations (n.)
claims or accusations that someone has done something wrong, usually without proof
Example:The allegations against the manager were investigated thoroughly.
perjury (n.)
the crime of lying or giving false testimony under oath
Example:He was charged with perjury for lying in court.
official (adj.)
relating to a person in authority or a formal position
Example:She gave an official statement to the press.
testimony (n.)
the evidence or statement given by a witness in a legal proceeding
Example:His testimony helped solve the case.
records (n.)
written or electronic documents that keep track of information
Example:The police records showed several incidents.
suspended (adj.)
temporarily stopped or halted
Example:He was suspended from duty for misconduct.
performance (n.)
how well someone or something works or behaves
Example:Her performance improved after training.
disobedience (n.)
the act of not following orders or rules
Example:His disobedience led to disciplinary action.
resignation (n.)
the act of leaving a job or position
Example:She submitted her resignation after the scandal.
avoid (v.)
to keep away from or prevent
Example:They tried to avoid conflict by compromising.
fired (v.)
to dismiss someone from a job
Example:He was fired for repeated violations.
lawyers (n.)
legal professionals who represent clients
Example:The lawyers argued for a fair trial.
relevant (adj.)
closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand
Example:Only relevant evidence was considered.
threat (n.)
a danger or risk that could cause harm
Example:The threat of violence was taken seriously.
responsibility (n.)
the duty or obligation to do something
Example:He accepted responsibility for the mistake.
motion (n.)
a formal proposal or request made in a meeting
Example:The motion to adjourn was passed.
support (v.)
to give assistance or approval
Example:They supported the new policy.
advisors (n.)
people who give advice or guidance
Example:The advisors reviewed the plan.
limited (adj.)
restricted in amount, scope, or range
Example:The resources were limited.
voted (v.)
to cast a vote in a decision
Example:They voted in favor of the proposal.
confidence (n.)
trust or belief in someone's ability
Example:Her confidence grew after success.
organization (n.)
a group of people working together toward a goal
Example:The organization held a meeting.
counsel (n.)
legal advice or representation
Example:He sought counsel before signing.
taxpayers (n.)
people who pay taxes
Example:Taxpayers are concerned about government spending.
investigation (n.)
a systematic inquiry into facts
Example:The investigation lasted weeks.
disappearance (n.)
the act of vanishing or being lost
Example:The disappearance of the child shocked everyone.
breakthrough (n.)
a significant progress or discovery
Example:The breakthrough solved the mystery.
tension (n.)
a feeling of stress or strain
Example:The tension in the room was palpable.
disagreement (n.)
a lack of agreement or conflict
Example:Their disagreement caused a split.
agents (n.)
officials who work for an organization
Example:The agents collected evidence.
suggested (v.)
to propose an idea
Example:She suggested a new approach.
control (n.)
the power to direct or manage
Example:The control of the situation was essential.
progress (n.)
forward movement or improvement
Example:There was little progress in the case.
kidnapping (n.)
the act of taking someone by force
Example:The kidnapping was reported to authorities.