Lawyers for two Arizona men, detained during the investigation of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, have submitted a notice of claim against the Pima County sheriff and a detective. This notice, a step towards a possible lawsuit, targets Sheriff Chris Nanos and a detective, accusing them of wrongful arrest and property damage.
Carlos Palazuelos, one of the men involved, was detained on February 10 for questioning. He was later released without charges as authorities searched for the person who kidnapped Guthrie, mother of ‘TODAY’ co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. On the same day, Daniel Maddox, another man named, was handcuffed at a searched residence and held for hours, according to the notice. His mother, who owns the damaged home, is also named in the notice.
The claim, obtained by NBC affiliate KVOA of Tucson, alleges deputies arrested Palazuelos at gunpoint, holding him without probable cause for about seven to eight hours, in a public manner. The document argues that Palazuelos’ home was ‘ransacked’ and he suffered physical, emotional, and reputational harm. It also states that a social media post by Nanos suggested Palazuelos was a suspect, impacting public perception.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos speaks to the media in Tucson.
Despite requests from legal counsel, Sheriff Nanos and the PCSD reportedly refused to retract their statements or clarify Palazuelos’ innocence. In an interview with Telemundo near his Rio Rico home, Palazuelos, a delivery driver, denied involvement in the pending case.
The notice describes Maddox’s detention at home as wrongful and distressing. Men in military gear reportedly pointed guns at him, compelling him to lie in a hallway while being held under guard at a van for hours. Josefina Maddox, Daniel’s mother and property owner, is also a claimant.
The sheriff’s department and county government have not responded to requests for comments on the claim. The attorneys proposed a $2.5 million settlement for Palazuelos, $500,000 for Daniel Maddox, and $250,000 for Josefina Maddox. The notice also mentions possible future claims against the county and sheriff’s department.
Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was reported missing from her home near Tucson on February 1. The FBI considers her disappearance a kidnapping for ransom. Sheriff Nanos confirms the case remains active, saying, “we’re working this as hard as we can.”
The sheriff’s office states that DNA and digital evidence analysis is ongoing and complex, yet all credible leads are being pursued. Savannah Guthrie recently released a video pleading for those responsible for her mother’s disappearance to come forward with information. She expressed her family’s agony, urging the responsible party to help them locate her mother.