💔 “WE HAVE TO FACE THE UNTHINKABLE.” — Shσcking Turn in Nancy Guthrie Case Leaves Community Reeling

The search for Nancy Guthrie is now in its 7th week — and furious locals are attempting to recall Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos in the wake of the investigation into the octogenarian’s disappearance.

“He has been an embarrassment to Tucson and to Pima County with this Nancy Guthrie case,” he said, adding that last week’s allegations that the Sheriff lied under oath about his employment history were the final straw.

A former NYPD K-9 officer is also criticizing investigators decision not to deploy cadaver dogs, saying the decision “defies logic.”

Former NYPD K-9 officer says decision not to deploy cadaver dogs ‘defies logic’

A former NYPD K-9 officer says investigators’ decision not to deploy specialist cadaver dogs that detect corpses by scent “defies logic,” as the investigation into the missing 84-year-old’s mysterious disappearance hits its seventh week.

“We’re just chasing shadows,” Michael Gould told Fox News Tuesday.

“They’re considered in court a scientific instrument. So why the sheriff chose not to use them, I don’t understand,” the retired investigator said, adding that the implications are “that A, she’s still alive, that’s one implication, or B, they’ve given up searching for her.”

Nanos responded to the recall effort this week, which 13 News confirmed was launched on March 12, citing the Pima County Elections Department. “We’re aware of the recall, and it’s the right of the people,” the sheriff said. “We’ll always honor the will of the people, and that’s what makes Democracy.”

In recent days, questions have surfaced about Nanos’ work history following a report by The Arizona Republic. The report stated that he resigned from the El Paso Police Department in 1982, two years earlier than his public resume indicated. Nanos had reportedly stepped down to avoid termination over disciplinary issues, including insubordination, excessive force and more.

His department later said the discrepancies were administrative and unintentional, clarifying that his service ended in 1982, KVOA reported.

“The Republicans are always trying to recall Democratic leaders,” a neighbor tells PEOPLE amid the recall effort. “I assumed they would use his communications gaffes for campaign ads but also not surprising they’re attempting a recall. Completely political.”

Nanos and his department are also facing a $1.35 million lawsuit unrelated to the high-profile case. According to a complaint previously reviewed by PEOPLE, Christopher Marx, an inmate at the Pima County Jail, alleged that his life was put at risk by a sheriff’s deputy because proper precautions were not taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during his time in custody.

While the search for Nancy remains underway, Nanos has commented publicly on the investigation and the risks posed by the person or people responsible. In an interview with NBC News on March 12, he said investigators believe Nancy was “targeted,” but are not sure.

“It’d be silly to tell people, ‘Don’t worry about it. You’re not his target.’ You could be,” Nanos said, referring to her apparent kidnapper.

Since her mother has gone missing, Savannah, 54, has posted multiple videos on Instagram pleading for her mother’s safe return.

A $100,000 reward had been offered by the FBI for any information leading to Nancy’s recovery or an arrest in the case. Savannah and her family have since offered an increased $1 million reward and donated $500,000 to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.