Attorney claims PCSD wrongful detention ruined Rio Rico man’s life | The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The attorney for Carlos Palazuelos, the man detained and released during the Nancy Guthrie investigation, is speaking out after filing a notice of claim against the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Palazuelos filed the notice of claim last week. He is accusing the department, Sheriff Chris Nanos, and a detective of wrongful detention and reputational damage.

“My clients are ordinary people that are just trying to make it through the day and Sheriff Nanos and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, have destroyed their lives, and are refusing to take responsibility, refusing to admit fault, and refusing to be accountable,” Palazuelos’ attorney said. “And so unfortunately, under our system a notice of claim like this is the first step going and getting justice, for Carlos and his family.”

Palazuelos was detained during a traffic stop in Rio Rico back in February before being released without charges. The notice of claim offers to settle for a total of $3.25 million.

The filing is on behalf of Palazuelos, his mother-in-law, Josefina Maddox, and Maddox’s son, Daniel. Investigators executed a search warrant at Maddox’s home in Rio Rico in February as well.

The claim alleges deputies invaded and ransacked the home and caused significant property damage.