Arizona Sheriff Faces $176 Million Lawsuit Amid Scrutiny Over Nancy Guthrie Investigation

PIMA COUNTY, Arizona — Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing a $176 million civil lawsuit over a deputy-involved shooting that left a young Arizona man permanently paralyzed, adding to growing legal and public scrutiny surrounding his department’s handling of several high-profile cases.

The lawsuit was filed by Axeel Melendez, 24, who alleges that sheriff’s deputies recklessly responded to a false emergency call despite prior warnings that he had become the target of repeated “swatting” attacks—hoax 911 calls designed to provoke an armed police response.

According to court filings, Melendez had previously informed the Pima County Sheriff’s Office that a hacker had threatened to send law enforcement to his home using fabricated reports of violent crimes. Despite those warnings, deputies responded to a fake emergency call reporting an active shooting at his residence.

The complaint alleges that deputies forced entry into Melendez’s bedroom and fired through a closed door, striking him in the leg and spine. The injuries left him permanently paralyzed. His attorney argues that Melendez posed no immediate threat and that officers used excessive force during the operation.

The lawsuit accuses the sheriff’s office of “dangerous incompetence,” negligent training, poor supervision, and excessive use of force. Melendez is seeking $176 million in damages for medical expenses, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Second Major Lawsuit in Two Weeks

The case marks the second significant legal challenge facing Sheriff Nanos within a matter of weeks.

Earlier, Carlos Palazuelos and members of his family filed a $3.25 million claim, alleging they were wrongfully detained and publicly portrayed as persons of interest during the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. The plaintiffs claim they suffered reputational damage and emotional distress despite never being charged with a crime.

Ongoing Questions Over the Nancy Guthrie Investigation

The lawsuits come as the Pima County Sheriff’s Office continues to face criticism over its investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

Recent reports have alleged that investigators failed to properly secure the crime scene, delayed collecting key evidence, and made other procedural mistakes during the critical early stages of the investigation. Sheriff Nanos has disputed many of those allegations, maintaining that the investigation remains active and that authorities continue to pursue all available leads.

Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson-area home on February 1, 2026. Authorities believe she was abducted, and despite an extensive multi-agency investigation involving the FBI, no suspect has been arrested. The case remains unsolved, with investigators continuing to appeal for public assistance.

Mounting Pressure on the Sheriff’s Office

Legal experts say the series of lawsuits could intensify scrutiny of the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, raising broader questions about leadership, officer training, and operational decision-making.

As the civil litigation moves through the courts and the Nancy Guthrie investigation remains unresolved, Sheriff Nanos and his department are expected to remain under close public and legal examination.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has declined to comment on the $176 million lawsuit, citing ongoing litigation.