Man seeks $2.5 million after detention in Nancy Guthrie investigation, alleges wrongful arrest and property damage
A man briefly detained during the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has filed a claim against the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, accusing authorities of wrongful arrest, property damage and harm to his reputation.
Carlos Palazuelos is seeking $2.5 million, while his brother-in-law Daniel Maddox is requesting $500,000 and Maddox’s mother, Josefina, is seeking $250,000 for alleged damage to her home. The combined claim totals $3.25 million.
The filing comes six months after Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona. Authorities have said they believe she was kidnapped.
According to the claim, Palazuelos was working as a DoorDash driver on Feb. 10 when officers stopped him at gunpoint and arrested him. The filing states he was handcuffed while investigators searched his vehicle and residence.
The claim alleges deputies damaged the home during the search and left the property in disarray. Josefina Maddox previously said authorities entered and searched the home while she insisted they had nothing to hide.
Palazuelos’ attorneys also accuse Sheriff Nanos of publicly identifying him as someone connected to the investigation despite him never being charged with a crime. They argue the department has failed to clear his name, leaving him facing ongoing suspicion and causing emotional and reputational damage.
The filing states Palazuelos does not know why investigators considered him a suspect and says he was told the investigation was based on an anonymous tip. The search warrant remains sealed.
His attorneys allege the warrant was based on misleading information and insufficient evidence, arguing it did not establish probable cause.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Feb. 1. Investigators previously released images from doorbell camera footage showing a masked person near her home around the time she disappeared.
Savannah Guthrie recently made a public appeal for information, urging anyone with knowledge of her mother’s disappearance to come forward. She said her family remains committed to finding answers and bringing her mother home.
The FBI continues to offer a reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or an arrest in the case.
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