An administrative investigation conducted by Pima County’s Human Resources Department found that Democratic Sheriff Chris Nanos violated ethical guidelines and codes of conduct by using his office for political gain. The findings were leaked to LOOKOUT before being publicly available. 

The violations stem from incidents in 2024, when Nanos was running for reelection against former Pima County Sheriff’s Lt. Heather Lappin, a Republican.

Nanos placed Lappin on paid administrative leave in October 2024, just weeks before a tight election and after early voting had begun.

At the time, Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz called the move a “reckless and vindictive action against his political rival” and “an attempt to smear and silence his opponent.” The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to ask the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to investigate whether Nanos violated state or federal law.

The Attorney General’s Office did not pursue an investigation at the time, but the county’s internal investigation — released this week and supplied to LOOKOUT by two different people within county government — found that “the preponderance of evidence supports a finding that Sheriff Nanos used his authority and department resources for political gain.”

Lappin was given the documents this week, she said, and told LOOKOUT that Nanos’ “abuse of authority and misuse of department resources are deeply concerning,” she said. “Integrity and public trust are fundamental requirements of leadership, particularly for the top law enforcement officer in the county. Nanos disregarded these basic principles to mislead the public for his own political gain.”

She added that, had voters known more about Nanos at the time, “I believe that I would have overcome the less than 500-vote margin and would now be serving the people as their sheriff.”

Nanos was not the only Sheriff’s Department employee found in violation of ethical standards. Five other officials — all of whom worked under Nanos — were also found to have violated codes of conduct.

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Those officials are Chief Scott Lowing, Capt. Sharlene Reis, Capt. Christy Anderson, Capt. Benjamin Hill and former Chief Harold James.

Nanos placed Lappin on leave because, according to an October 2024 press release, she was aware that another Sheriff’s Department employee, Sgt. Aaron Cross, was campaigning against Nanos. The department accused Cross of engaging in partisan political activity while wearing clothing that was, or resembled, a department-issued uniform. According to the department, such activity violated the Hatch Act.

A press release announcing the internal investigation into Cross and Lappin also referenced this reporter, claiming the reporter — without evidence — had “colluded” with Lappin “to facilitate payment to an inmate in exchange for a news story.”

After a recount of the 2024 race, Nanos won by 481 votes.

Since then, Nanos has faced ongoing controversy. A separate investigation by the Attorney General’s Office found he may have violated multiple rules. He has also faced criticism for his handling of an investigation into Nancy Guthrie, as well as for a lack of transparency and potential constitutional violations related to his department’s collaboration with federal immigration officials, which LOOKOUT was first to report on last week.

He has also been found to have misrepresented his work history multiple times, including past suspensions decades ago for misconduct, including severely beating a man during an arrest.

Heinz told LOOKOUT he is again referring Nanos to the Arizona Attorney General, alleging he lied under oath about his work history. Heinz also notified the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, the state’s law enforcement regulatory agency.

Cross told LOOKOUT the county’s findings amount to vindication for Lappin. Calling for Nanos’ immediate resignation, Cross added, “Unfortunately, Nanos gets to decide his own punishment and those of his senior commanders, so nothing will be done.”

Neither Nanos nor the Sheriff’s Department responded to requests for comment.