A man who was detained and released during the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is now seeking $3.25 million from Pima County, according to a notice of claim filed by his attorneys.
The claim was filed on behalf of Carlos Palazuelos and two family members, Josefina Maddox and Daniel Maddox, against the Pima County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Chris Nanos, and Detective Earl Gieron. Palazuelos is seeking $2.5 million, Daniel Maddox is seeking $500,000, and Josefina Maddox - the homeowner where the search took place - is seeking roughly $250,000.
According to the notice, Palazuelos was arrested at gunpoint on February 10 and held for seven to eight hours before being released without charges. The claim alleges the search warrant used to detain him was obtained through a sealed application built on "false or baseless evidence," and that deputies lacked probable cause. It also states that Sheriff Nanos publicly identified Palazuelos as being questioned in connection with the case on social media, and that the department has since declined to clear his name.
Sheriff Nanos has defended the investigation, telling Fox News Digital that a judge signed off on the probable cause behind the warrant and that no one - including previously detained individuals - has been permanently ruled out as the case continues. "That evidence is presented to the judge that says, 'Yep, go get him,'" Nanos said, though he declined to detail what that evidence was.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since February 1 after she failed to appear for a Sunday church service she never missed. Nearly seven months later, no suspect has been named. Through every twist in the case - including this latest legal turn - the Guthrie family has continued to lean on prayer and ask the public to keep believing Nancy will be found.
Related Article: Retired FBI Agent Says Crime Scene "Mistakes" on Day One May Still Be Hurting the Case
