Mark Lamb, former sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona, is defending law enforcement's handling of the high-profile Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation that has drawn round-the-clock national media coverage, telling Newsmax on Monday that constant public scrutiny can complicate efforts to secure a conviction.
On "Bianca: Across the Nation," Lamb said investigators face mounting pressure as each development — reported ransom notes, search tactics, etc. — is dissected in real time in the search for the mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie.
"Look, I know we've been all very involved in this case," he said. "The media has really covered it 24/7 since it really kicked off.
"But that has also made the investigation very difficult."
Lamb stressed that "not only is it potentially tipping off suspects; they're being scrutinized for every little thing they do, that it wasn't done fast enough, that they should have done it this way."
He said that "people don't understand chain of command and how you process evidence and how you must handle it if you want to get a conviction."
The case, now entering its third week, has generated intense public interest, fueled by continuous media updates and online speculation. Authorities have reportedly received tens of thousands of tips, especially after a reward was increased to $100,000.
Lamb acknowledged the emotional toll on the victim's family and the broader community but cautioned that high-profile coverage can fuel unrealistic expectations about the pace of an investigation.
He noted that law enforcement must follow procedures carefully when collecting and processing evidence to ensure it stands up in court. Rushing decisions or mishandling material under public pressure, he said, could jeopardize any future prosecution.
"There's a lot to these cases that the average person just doesn't understand," Lamb added, emphasizing that investigators must balance speed with precision.
Authorities are pursuing several leads, including forensic evidence such as DNA analysis and technological tracking methods.
Lamb stressed that while time is critical, investigators must avoid compromising the integrity of the case.
He also pointed out that, even as this case commands national attention, "there are many other cases that the sheriff's department is still having to handle that come in every single day."
He added that the longer the Guthrie investigation goes, "the more that law enforcement needs to be able to work this case properly."
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Brian Freeman ✉
Brian Freeman, a Newsmax writer based in Israel, has more than three decades writing and editing about culture and politics for newspapers, online and television.
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