Man sues Pima County sheriff for $3.25 million over wrongful detention

Carlos Palazuelos lodged a $3.25 million notice of claim against the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, contending that deputies unjustly targeted him during a Feb. 10 operation linked to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. He seeks $2.5 million, while Daniel Maddox requests $500,000 and homeowner Josefina Maddox asks for $250,000 for alleged property damage during the execution of a search warrant at their Rio Rico residence.

The claim alleges deputies drew guns, detained Palazuelos for seven to eight hours, confiscated his cellphone and driver’s license, and that the warrant relied on baseless evidence lacking probable cause. It also accuses Sheriff Chris Nanos of publicly describing Palazuelos as a "person of interest" and refusing to clear his name. Attorney Jesse Showalter said the family wants an admission of error and accountability.

Palazuelos reports ongoing harassment, including being followed and photographed. The lawsuit is filed while investigators continue to seek leads in Guthrie’s case, having released ransom notes and reported limited forensic results.