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Torrance Man Arrested for Demanding Bitcoin Ransom From Guthrie Family
Derrick Callella admitted sending bitcoin-related texts to Nancy Guthrie’s family to provoke a response; authorities say these messages are separate from the ransom demand, federal charges pending.
- On Thursday, authorities arrested Derrick Callella, Los Angeles man, after linking him to bitcoin-related texts sent to Nancy Guthrie's family, announcing a $50,000 reward in the ongoing investigation.
- FBI special agent Kerry Witherspoon said court paperwork alleges after Miranda warnings, Callella admitted he sent two texts and a brief call to the Guthrie family, trying to see if they would respond.
- Law enforcement traced the messages to a Voice over Internet Protocol number separate from Callella's main phone, and emergency records linked the account and an email/IP address in California with Google/Nest assisting.
- Federal prosecutors allege Derrick Callella faces charges of intending to transmit a ransom demand and harassment, while a $50,000 reward is offered and additional ransom letters to local and national media outlets are taken seriously.
- Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday at her Tucson-area home and reported missing on February 1, 2026, with authorities saying she needs daily medication every 24 hours.
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Man who allegedly texted Guthrie family about bitcoin ransom torched in court by prosecutors
Derrick Callella, of Hawthorne, California, appeared in court Friday accused of sending bogus ransom texts for Nancy Guthrie, missing mom of NBC "Today" co-host Savannah.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left1Leaning Right6Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center, 46% Right
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center, 46% of the sources lean Right
46% Right
C 46%
R 46%
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