Sheriff leading Nancy Guthrie case wins dismissal of $1.35 lawsuit

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(NewsNation) — The Arizona sheriff leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has received a legal victory after a judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against him by a county jail inmate.

Christopher Michael Marx sued Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and the sheriff’s department in March, seeking $1.35 million in damages.

Marx was ordered to either pay the required filing and administration fees or submit paperwork requesting permission to proceed without prepaying those costs, according to TV Insider.

After he failed to do either, a judge dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice on July 1, Newsweek reported. A dismissal without prejudice means the case could be refiled in the future.

Marx, who is incarcerated at the Pima County Jail, alleged Nanos and the department violated Article 2 of the Arizona Constitution, known as the “Declaration of Rights.”

In the lawsuit, Marx claimed his life was put in jeopardy after a sheriff’s deputy did not disinfect himself, nor was Nanos working to ensure COVID-19 was being contained, even though another unit was in quarantine after an inmate contracted COVID-19.

Chris Nanos in the spotlight in search for Nancy Guthrie

Nanos has gained nationwide recognition for his involvement and handling of the search for the missing mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie.

Investigators believe that Nancy Guthrie, 84, was abducted from her home in the early hours of Feb. 1. The FBI has said the case is being investigated as a kidnapping for ransom.

In the days following Guthrie’s disappearance, ransom notes were sent to the family and media outlets. Recent reporting indicated that one note suggested that Guthrie had died.

None of the ransom notes led to her return or the identification of any suspects.

Updated at 3:23 p.m. EDT

Tags

Arizona

Chris Nanos

COVID-19

Michael Marx

Nancy Guthrie search

Pima County Police Department

Savannah Guthrie

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