In the wake of Nancy Guthrie’s high-profile disappearance, several individuals have come forward to assist in the search, including Chris Castorena, a self-proclaimed private investigator. Castorena, who owns Arizona Private Investigation Services, has offered his time and resources to help locate Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie. While his involvement has drawn attention, there are serious concerns about his background and qualifications that must be examined.

Who is Chris Castorena?

Chris Castorena is known locally in Maricopa as a private investigator, especially for his work on missing children’s cases. He has built a reputation for himself, often describing himself as one of the region’s most popular private investigators. Castorena has claimed to have found a crucial lead in the Guthrie case on February 5, which he reported to the FBI, with the hope that they would take it seriously. The following day, he went to the sheriff’s office to follow up on his findings.

However, while Castorena’s enthusiasm and commitment to volunteering his time might be admirable, his past raises concerns about his credibility and professionalism.

The Revocation of His PI License

Castorena’s career as a private investigator has been far from scandal-free. His private investigator license was revoked by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (ADPS) Hearing Board after findings of fraud-related violations. According to the ADPS, Castorena was found liable in complaints from clients, which included allegations of putting tracking devices on people’s cars without consent.

This revocation of his license is a significant red flag for anyone considering working with Castorena. A licensed investigator should operate within the bounds of the law and maintain a reputation for ethical conduct. The revocation not only calls into question his legal standing but also highlights concerns about his methods.

The Issues with His Website

Further evidence of Castorena’s questionable practices can be found in his business’s online presence. His website, Arizona Private Investigation Services, has been flagged for containing multiple errors and inconsistencies. Most notably, it was discovered that significant portions of the website had been copied from a Nevada law firm’s site. This includes fake testimonials, bogus addresses, and profiles of supposed staff members who have never worked for Castorena. These issues suggest a lack of transparency and a desire to deceive potential clients.

In the private investigation industry, trust is paramount. If a professional’s website is built on false information and stolen content, it’s a strong indicator that their business practices may be unreliable as well.

What Does This Mean for the Search for Nancy Guthrie?

Given the severity of the allegations against Castorena, it is important to question his role in the search for Nancy Guthrie. While his claim of discovering a clue and trying to follow up with the FBI and the sheriff’s department may show initiative, it is equally important to recognize that law enforcement agencies are best suited to handle investigations. A private investigator without a valid license or a history of ethical violations could complicate an investigation, potentially diverting valuable resources and attention away from professional law enforcement efforts.

In the case of a missing person, especially one as high-profile as Nancy Guthrie, it is critical to rely on law enforcement and professionals who have the proper training and legal authority to handle sensitive information. While Castorena’s actions may be driven by a genuine desire to help, his questionable past raises concerns about his involvement in a case as important as this one.

Conclusion: Should You Trust Chris Castorena?

With the evidence currently available, there are significant reasons to doubt Chris Castorena’s credibility. His history of legal issues, fraudulent complaints, and misleading online presence should give anyone pause before placing their trust in him for serious investigations. If you are considering any form of private investigation assistance, it is always wise to ensure the investigator is licensed, reputable, and ethical in their practices.

For the search for Nancy Guthrie, it is essential to rely on professional law enforcement and trained, licensed investigators who can ensure the integrity of the investigation. While Castorena’s involvement may seem like an attempt to assist, his past actions suggest he may not be the right person to guide the investigation forward.