US EditionLA County Man Charged for Fake Ransom Text Sent to Savannah Guthrie's Family
- On Thursday, February 5, 2026, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke announced one arrest related to a fake ransom demand tied to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
- On Tuesday, media outlet TMZ reported receiving a ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin, with multiple media organizations noting a 5 p.m. Thursday deadline and a serious Monday deadline.
- Court paperwork shows Derrick Callella admitted to sending two texts and a brief call after investigators traced a VOIP line to his Gmail account and California residence.
- Authorities said there is no evidence linking the arrest to the disappearance, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed no suspects have been named, and the FBI announced a $50,000 reward.
- The Guthrie family released an emotional video this past week, authorities emphasized Nancy is 84 and needs vital medication, and the case drew federal attention.
69 Articles
69 Articles
FBI arrests California man over ransom demand in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
The FBI has arrested a California man for allegedly sending a fake ransom demand amid the ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy. Derrick Callella, 42, was arrested in Hawthorne, Calif. on Thursday and charged with two federal crimes — one count of transmitting a demand for ransom related to a kidnapped person and one of making anonymous interstate communications intended to harass or threaten, according to a criminal compla…
Man charged with sending ‘imposter’ ransom note to Nancy Guthrie’s family
A California man faces federal charges for sending an "imposter" ransom note to the family of Nancy Guthrie, 84, who has been missing since Saturday. Nancy Guthrie, of Arizona, is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, an anchor on NBC’s “Today” show. Derrick Callella, according to a Department of Justice criminal complaint, faces two charges: one for transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce; and the other for anonymously using a telecom…
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