Lawyers for two Arizona men detained during the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, have issued a notice of claim against the Pima County sheriff and a detective. The notice of claim alleges wrongful arrest and property damage.

Details of the Claim

Carlos Palazuelos, one of the men named in the claim, was detained on February 10 for questioning and released later without any charges. The same day, the other man, Daniel Maddox, was placed in handcuffs at the home that was searched and held for several hours. The notice also names his mother, who owns the home and alleges damage to the property.

The notice of claim, dated Monday and obtained by NBC affiliate KVOA of Tucson, says that deputies “arrested Carlos at gunpoint and held him without probable cause for approximately seven to eight hours” and that the arrest was made in a public fashion. The notice alleges physical, emotional, and reputational harm.

The notice also says that Sheriff Chris Nanos posted on social media that a person had been arrested and that “the subject is currently being questioned in connection to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.” That post, in conjunction with statements from the sheriff’s office, made Palazuelos look like a suspect to the world, the notice says.

Response from the Sheriff’s Department

The sheriff’s department did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the notice. An emailed message seeking comment was also sent to the county government.

The lawyers wrote in the notice that they were offering to settle the claims relating to Palazuelos for $2.5 million. It also offers to settle the claims relating to Daniel Maddox for $500,000 and Josefina Maddox for $250,000.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, went missing from her home near Tucson early on February 1. The FBI has said her disappearance is being investigated as a kidnapping for ransom.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.