A California man has pleaded guilty in federal court to sending a fake ransom message to the family of Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, authorities announced Thursday.
Prosecutors say the man sent the messages while following media coverage of Guthrie’s disappearance, inserting himself into an active investigation that remains unresolved.
Case Background
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31 at her home outside Tucson, Arizona. When authorities searched the residence, they found her cellphone, medication, and other personal items still inside.
Investigators also reported finding drops of blood near the front porch. Guthrie has not been located, and no arrests have been announced in connection with her disappearance.
Public Plea
In early February, Tucson television station KOLD reported receiving a ransom demand that included a bitcoin wallet address. Days later, on February 4, Guthrie’s family released a public video asking anyone holding her to make contact.
Federal authorities later clarified that some extortion communications related to the case were still under investigation and may be legitimate.
Guilty Plea
Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, California, admitted to sending false ransom-related messages shortly after the family’s video was released.
According to a complaint filed in Arizona federal court, Callella obtained the phone numbers of Guthrie’s daughter, Annie Guthrie, and her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni. He sent both messages stating, “Did you get the bitcoin were waiting on our end for the transaction.”
Investigators traced the texts to a phone number and email address registered in Callella’s name.
No Link to Actual Ransom Demand
Authorities said Callella’s messages were not connected to the ransom demand received by KOLD. Federal prosecutors stated that Callella was attempting to gather information about the investigation, not collect money.
The FBI continues to review other extortion communications that could be tied to Guthrie’s disappearance.
Possible Sentence
Callella faces a potential sentence of up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 250,000 dollars. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10.
Officials emphasized that the case against Callella does not resolve the larger investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, which remains ongoing.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Missing person | Nancy Guthrie, 84 |
| Last seen | January 31, near Tucson |
| Defendant | Derrick Callella, 42 |
| Charge | Sending fake ransom message |
| Maximum penalty | 2 years prison or $250,000 fine |
| Sentencing date | September 10 |
Federal authorities continue to ask anyone with information related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to contact law enforcement as the investigation proceeds.
FAQs
Who is Nancy Guthrie?
The 84-year-old mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie.
What did Derrick Callella do?
He sent fake ransom-related text messages to the family.
Was the ransom message real?
No, authorities say his messages were not legitimate.
Is the disappearance solved?
No, Nancy Guthrie has not been found.
When will Callella be sentenced?
He is scheduled for sentencing on September 10.
