Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos faces $3.25 million lawsuit as Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation takes new turn
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Image Credit: Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services
The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered a new phase as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos faces potential legal action from two Arizona men detained during the early stages of the case.
Carlos Palazuelos, Daniel Maddox, and Maddox’s mother, Josefina Maddox, have filed notices of claim—a legal requirement before filing a lawsuit, seeking a combined $3.25 million in damages. The claims allege wrongful detention, property damage, emotional distress, and reputational harm stemming from law enforcement actions taken during the search for Guthrie, who disappeared from her Tucson-area home on February 1, 2026.
The legal development comes as investigators continue pursuing leads in a kidnapping case that has remained unsolved for six months.
Two Men Seek Millions Over Detention During Nancy Guthrie Search
According to the notices of claim, Carlos Palazuelos was detained at gunpoint on February 10 and questioned for approximately seven to eight hours before being released without charges.
Palazuelos alleges deputies searched and ransacked his home while publicly portraying him as a suspect. His attorneys argue that social media statements released by Sheriff Chris Nanos and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department caused lasting damage to his reputation despite investigators never charging him with any crime.
Palazuelos is seeking $2.5 million in damages for alleged wrongful arrest, emotional distress, and reputational injury.
Meanwhile, Daniel Maddox claims heavily armed deputies forced him to the ground inside his mother’s home before handcuffing and detaining him for several hours while investigators searched the property.
Maddox seeks $500,000, while his mother, Josefina Maddox, is requesting $250,000 for alleged damage to her home during the search.
Sheriff’s Office Declines to Comment on Pending Litigation
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) has declined to discuss the legal claims, citing pending litigation.
Officials reiterated that the Nancy Guthrie investigation remains active, stressing that no individuals connected to the case have been formally cleared.
Sheriff Chris Nanos has repeatedly maintained that investigators continue reviewing DNA evidence, digital evidence, and other forensic material while pursuing every credible lead.
Authorities say the complexity of forensic testing has contributed to the lengthy investigation.
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Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation Remains Active
Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson-area residence on February 1, prompting a large-scale investigation involving the FBI and local law enforcement.
Federal investigators continue treating the case as a kidnapping for ransom.
Earlier in the investigation, authorities revealed that ransom communications demanding $4 million in Bitcoin had been received. A later message claimed Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after being abducted, although investigators have not confirmed the authenticity of that claim or located her remains.
The FBI continues searching for information while maintaining a reward alongside the $1 million reward independently offered by the Guthrie family.
Savannah Guthrie Continues Public Plea for Information
NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie recently renewed her emotional appeal, urging anyone with knowledge of her mother’s disappearance to come forward.
In a video shared publicly, Guthrie described the family’s continuing anguish and appealed directly to whoever may be responsible.
She pleaded for those involved to reveal where investigators should search, saying her family continues to hope for answers despite the passage of six months.
The appeal has renewed public attention on one of Arizona’s highest-profile missing-person investigations.
Questions Raised About Investigation Handling
The legal claims also revive scrutiny over the handling of the investigation by Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Earlier this year, the sheriff publicly disputed comments suggesting investigators delayed federal involvement in the case. Nanos has denied allegations that the sheriff’s office withheld information from the FBI, insisting local and federal investigators have continued working together throughout the investigation.
While the dispute over investigative procedures continues, authorities emphasize that solving Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains their highest priority.
Whether the notices of claim ultimately become full civil lawsuits will likely depend on negotiations in the coming months.
For now, the criminal investigation remains ongoing, and no suspects have been charged in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
FAQ
Who is Chris Nanos?
Chris Nanos is the Sheriff of Pima County, Arizona. He has overseen the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Why is Chris Nanos being sued?
Chris Nanos is named in a notice of claim filed by two Arizona men—Carlos Palazuelos and Daniel Maddox—who allege they were wrongfully detained during the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation. The filing is a legal step that could lead to a civil lawsuit.
How much money are the men seeking?
The notice of claim seeks a total of $3.25 million in damages:
- Carlos Palazuelos: $2.5 million
- Daniel Maddox: $500,000
- Josefina Maddox: $250,000
The claims include allegations of wrongful detention, reputational harm, emotional distress and property damage.
Who is Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie is the 84-year-old mother of NBC TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie. She disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1, 2026, in a case authorities believe is a kidnapping for ransom.
Has Nancy Guthrie been found?
No. As of the latest official updates, Nancy Guthrie remains missing and the investigation remains active.
Why were Carlos Palazuelos and Daniel Maddox detained?
Both men were detained while investigators pursued leads in the kidnapping investigation. Neither man was charged with any crime, and both were later released.
What are the allegations in the lawsuit?
The claim alleges:
- Wrongful arrest
- Wrongful detention
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Reputational harm
- Public statements that allegedly implied criminal involvement
How has the Sheriff’s Office responded?
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on pending litigation, stating only that the investigation remains active and that no one has been cleared.
Is the FBI involved?
Yes. The FBI continues to assist in the investigation and has offered a reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts.
Has anyone been charged in the case?
No suspects have been charged in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
What rewards are available?
According to authorities and family announcements:
- Savannah Guthrie’s family has offered $1 million
- The FBI has added $100,000
for information leading investigators to Nancy Guthrie.
What happened between the FBI and Sheriff Chris Nanos?
Earlier in the investigation, disagreements emerged over investigative coordination. Sheriff Nanos has denied claims that his office delayed federal investigators and has maintained that inaccurate public statements could hinder the investigation.
What is a notice of claim?
A notice of claim is a legal filing required before suing a public entity in Arizona. It gives government officials an opportunity to settle claims before a lawsuit proceeds.
What is the latest update on the Nancy Guthrie investigation?
Authorities say DNA testing, digital forensic analysis and other investigative work continue. Officials insist every credible lead is still being pursued.
What has Savannah Guthrie said?
Savannah Guthrie recently released an emotional public appeal asking anyone with information to come forward, saying her family remains in agony and urging those responsible to “do the right thing.”
Can the lawsuit affect the investigation?
The civil claim is separate from the criminal investigation. The kidnapping investigation continues regardless of any future civil litigation involving the Sheriff’s Office.