Collage of a Pima County Sheriff's vehicle, a one-way sign, and two inset photos of people.

THE sheriff leading the hunt for Nancy Guthrie says investigators are finally closing in, one month after the Today star’s mom vanished in the night.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos insisted the case is moving forward, even as critics accuse his office of stumbling through the high-profile search.

Savannah Guthrie and her mother Nancy Guthrie smiling at the camera with signs welcoming them to Sydney in the background.
Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie went missing from her home in Tucson, ArizonaCredit: Getty

 

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos speaking during an interview.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos insisted the case is moving forwardCredit: Reuters
A Pima County Sheriff vehicle drives past a "One Way" sign and a construction barrier with a flashing light in Tucson, Arizona.
But the probe has drawn growing scrutiny as the days have dragged on without arrestsCredit: Getty

In Tucson, Arizona, Nanos told NBC News authorities are “definitely closer” to identifying the person, or people, tied to her disappearance.

“I think the investigators are definitely closer,” he said.

“We got a lot of intel, a lot of leads, but now it’s time to just go to work.”

Nancy, 84, is the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

She has been missing since February 1, after law enforcement said they believe she was taken from her home.

The FBI is also involved in the case, alongside local investigators.

But the probe has drawn growing scrutiny as the days have dragged on without arrests.

Nanos has taken heat for a string of press conferences that critics say were rambling and unclear.

He has also faced questions over early statements that appeared to conflict as details emerged.

Other decisions have fueled backlash, including returning the home only days into the investigation, according to reports.

The sheriff has also been criticized over not deploying a high-tech aircraft immediately after she disappeared.

Despite that, Nanos defended the work being done behind the scenes.

He said investigators have gathered “a lot of intel” and “a lot of leads.”

He did not detail what those leads are, saying the focus is now on chasing them down.

The case has been described by authorities as a kidnapping investigation, not a missing-person mystery.

Nanos has continued to push the message that the department is working the case aggressively.

For now, no suspects have been publicly named and no arrests have been announced.

Aerial view of officials visiting Nancy Guthrie's residence in Tucson, Arizona.

The case has been described by authorities as a kidnapping investigation, not a missing-person mysteryCredit: Getty