Federal agents have arrested a Southern California man after he allegedly transmitted a false ransom demand in the case of missing Nancy Guthrie.
Guthrie, 84, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home on Feb. 1, 2026.
Arrest made in false Nancy Guthrie ransom demand
The FBI arrested Derrick Callella in Hawthorne, California, according to a Feb. 5 press release by the Department of Justice. Hawthorne is located in Los Angeles County and near the Los Angeles International Airport.
Callella has been charged via a criminal complaint filed in federal court for allegedly transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce and without disclosing his identity. He also faces charges of utilizing a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten or harass a person, the complaint stated.
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Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home on Feb. 1, 2026.
The criminal complaint shows Callella allegedly sent a text message to Nancy Guthrie’s daughter, Annie Guthrie, and her husband, which stated, “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end of the transaction.”
The complaint shows that Callella admitted to sending the texts and for obtaining the family’s contact information from a cyber website.
“When he (Callella) said that he sent text messages he 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 of the N.G. (Nancy Guthrie) which lasted 9 seconds.”
“The Department of Justice will protect victims and families at all costs, and grief profiteers will be held accountable,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said. “This case came together in under 24 hours because of the coordinated work of the FBI, local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.”
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge, Heith Janke, also issued a statement.
“To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation – we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” Janke said.
Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home on Feb. 1, 2026.
What we know about Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1, when she did not attend church services. She was last seen by her family at her home on the evening of Jan. 31.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators have not identified any suspect or person of interest in the case as of Feb. 5.
Blood found on the porch of Nancy Guthrie’s home was confirmed by DNA testing to belong to her.
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.
If you have any information concerning this case, contact the FBI at 800-225-5324). You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Read the criminal complaint
Usa v Callella Complaint 0 by eroberts
USA TODAY contributed to this story
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Man arrested for false ransom demand in Nancy Guthrie disappearance