Probe Ongoing After Fake Ransom Messages Disrupt Nancy Guthrie Case

Arrest Introduces New Turn in Nancy Guthrie Case: Ransom Texts Raise Fresh Concerns

Just as national focus remained fixed on the baffling disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an unexpected arrest complicated the narrative rather than clarifying it. A suspect is now in custody, yet investigators stress he has no connection to the kidnapping itself. Instead, the accusations center on cryptocurrency ransom messages he allegedly sent, adding a disturbing layer of manipulation to an already tense case. The development raises a troubling question. Are outside actors attempting to exploit the crisis from behind the scenes?

Derrick Callella Taken Into Custody

Federal agents arrested Derrick Callella, a former Los Angeles County employee, in relation to the ongoing investigation. Authorities have made it clear that Callella, age 46, is not considered a participant in the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie.

According to investigators, Callella sent text messages to members of the Guthrie family referencing bitcoin payments in what officials describe as a fabricated ransom effort. He was apprehended on February 5 in Hawthorne, California, close to Los Angeles International Airport. He now faces two federal charges:

• Transmitting a message demanding ransom for a kidnapped individual
• Making an anonymous phone call with the intent to threaten, harass, or abuse

Authorities say Callella texted Nancy Guthrie’s daughter, Annie, and her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, writing:

“Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.”

He later acknowledged sending the texts through a VOIP application and placed a short nine-second call to a relative soon afterward. Investigators emphasize that these communications are unrelated to the February 2, 2026 ransom note delivered to Tucson news outlet KOLD, which authorities still regard as a significant lead.

Previous Allegations Under Review

Callella’s background has drawn additional scrutiny. In October 2025, he was named among 13 Los Angeles County employees accused of fraudulently collecting $437,383 in unemployment benefits between 2020 and 2023. The alleged scheme resulted in both felony and misdemeanor charges against those involved.

At the same time, the Guthrie family continues to appeal publicly for help. Emotional social media videos have circulated, with Savannah Guthrie personally asking anyone with knowledge of Nancy’s whereabouts to come forward with verifiable proof of her safety. FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke has also issued warnings that any effort to exploit the family’s ordeal will be aggressively pursued.

Reward and Continuing Investigation

The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information that leads either to Nancy Guthrie’s safe recovery or to the capture of those responsible for her disappearance. Tips may be submitted through the FBI hotline at 800-225-5324, at regional FBI offices, through American embassies or consulates, or online via tips.fbi.gov.

Conclusion

Although the arrest of Derrick Callella represents a notable development, the central mystery of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains unresolved. Hoaxes and misleading claims have complicated the investigative path, but authorities continue to pursue every credible lead. The public remains watchful, hoping for Nancy’s safe return and for justice against anyone who seeks to profit from tragedy.