Man behind Nancy Guthrie 'impostor ransom demand' is arrested

Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press Fri, February 6, 2026 at 1:42 AM UTC

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Man behind Nancy Guthrie 'impostor ransom demand' is arrested

A Southern California man has been arrested on suspicion of allegedly transmitting a false ransom demand to Nancy Guthrie's family.

Derrick Callella was arrested in Hawthorne, California – a city just south of Los Angeles International Airport – on Feb. 5, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona announced.

According to the criminal complaint, Callella faces two federal charges: allegedly transmitting communication containing a demand or request for a ransom for the release of any kidnapped person and also making a phone call, without disclosing his identity, with the intent to abuse, threaten or harass a person.

A lawyer for Callella could not be immediately reached by USA TODAY.

1 / 0Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy together through the years

"Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in February 2026. See photos of the mother-daughter duo together through the years on NBC and beyond. Here, they're pictured in an undated photograph. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance as a "crime."

Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Text about bitcoin transaction was sent to Nancy Guthrie's daughter, son-in-law

In the complaint, Callella is accused of texting "A.C. and T.C., the daughter and son-in-law of N.G." – who appear to be Annie and Tommaso Cioni – identical messages that read: "Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction."

According to FBI Special Agent Kerry Witherspoon, who leveled the charges against Callella in the complaint, the communication was sent on Feb. 4, after the three Guthrie siblings released a video pleading for Nancy Guthrie's return.

Witherspoon alleges Callella admitted to sending the texts from a voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) text and call application. "[Callella] was trying to see if the family would respond," the complaint said. "Data received shows that approximately three minutes after the text messages, Callella called a family member ... which lasted 9 seconds."

1 / 0Nancy Guthrie's community holds a vigil as search continues

People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 4, 2026.

Per Witherspoon, "The two text messages have not been linked to the February 2, 2026, ransom demand" sent to Tucson news station KOLD. That communication was sent to the CBS affiliate's online tip portal and "listed a Bitcoin wallet address to receive the ransom payment."

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Though authorities have not verified the authenticity of this ransom note, Jon Edwards, the assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's Tucson field office, said in a Feb. 5 media briefing that "We're taking the ransom note serious, and we are following that part of the investigation."

The Guthrie family has released two videos on social media – one on Feb. 4 and a second on Feb. 5 – that appeared to address a possible kidnapper. In both, they asked the person to communicate with them and provide proof that Nancy Guthrie is alive.

In a Feb. 5 statement, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said, "To those impostors who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation – we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions."

Janke had announced the arrest in connection with an "impostor ransom demand" during a media briefing the morning of Feb. 5.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’ Guthrie's recovery or the arrest of anyone involved in her disappearance.

Those with information can contact the FBI tips hotline at 800-225-5324. You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Nancy Guthrie impostor ransom demand leads to arrest

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