Notice of Claim Filed Over Wrongful Arrest During Nancy Guthrie Search

Lawyers representing two Arizona men, Carlos Palazuelos and Daniel Maddox, have filed a notice of claim against the Pima County sheriff and a detective. This claim is a preliminary step towards a potential lawsuit. It accuses the authorities of wrongful arrest and property damage.

Carlos Palazuelos was detained on February 10 for questioning but released without charges. Authorities were searching for those responsible for the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of ‘TODAY’ co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Daniel Maddox was held in handcuffs at his home for several hours on the same day. His mother, who owns the home, claims that the property was damaged during the search.

The notice claims Palazuelos was arrested at gunpoint and held for seven to eight hours without probable cause.

Maddox’s detention is described as causing significant physical, mental, and emotional distress. Men in military gear allegedly pointed guns at him, ordering him to the ground.

Sheriff Chris Nanos allegedly shared a social media post suggesting a suspect had been apprehended, causing public perception issues for Palazuelos, according to the notice. The lawyers have requested retractions, yet they claim that neither the sheriff nor the sheriff’s department has complied.

The notice includes requests for settlements: $2.5 million for Palazuelos, $500,000 for Daniel Maddox, and $250,000 for Josefina Maddox, Daniel’s mother. It also indicates potential future claims against the county and the sheriff’s department.

Nancy Guthrie went missing from her Tucson area home on February 1. The FBI has categorized her disappearance as a kidnapping for ransom. Sheriff Nanos has affirmed the ongoing and rigorous nature of the investigation, citing complex DNA and digital evidence analysis.

Savannah Guthrie made a public plea for information regarding her mother’s disappearance, expressing the family’s emotional turmoil and urging for cooperation in resolving the case.