Sheriff Nanos improperly suspended political foe

Asked on Thursday about the report’s findings summarized in the memo, Nanos referred the Star to Lesher.

“This is a legal matter that was protected under attorney client privilege and the County Administrator is who you should be talking to as the memo you have is the one written by downtown HR. It is their interpretation of a report I have not seen,” Nanos said in a message to the Star. “I have no idea what the report says so I will refer you to Ms. Lesher.”

When asked for a copy of the complete report, Lesher told the Star that she was told it is under attorney-client privilege “so it cannot be released.” The Star, however, obtained the summary memo through a source.

Lappin, on Thursday night, said she was pleased to see the findings but wish they had been known by the public sooner.

“I am pleased that Pima County Human Resources’ independent investigation confirmed Sheriff Nanos and members of his senior command abused their authority for political gain during the 2024 election. But it is concerning that it was allowed to occur throughout the election cycle, and only now—17 months after the election—is the public finally learning of Nanos’ misconduct,” she said. “If the County had acted on any of my numerous requests for it to intervene and stop Nanos’ clear misconduct, the people of Pima County would have been fully informed when they cast their votes for last November . . . I hope the County will act accordingly in light of the independent investigation’s findings.”

The memo comes after the Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to have an outside attorney review the misrepresented work history of Nanos, in an effort that could result in his removal from office.