TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The California man who is accused of sending a fake ransom demand to Nancy Guthrie’s family appeared in federal court in Tucson on Thursday. Last week, Derrick Callella, 42, was arrested and charged with serious offenses following the message. 

On Feb. 12, Callella appeared in federal court after he was accused of sending a fake ransom demand to Nancy’s daughter, Annie Guthrie, and son-in-law. This comes as the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, is in its twelfth day. 

The California man who is accused of sending a fake ransom demand to Nancy Guthrie’s family appeared in federal court in Tucson on Thursday. Last week, Derrick Callella, 42, was arrested and charged with serious offenses following the message. This comes as the search for Nancy, the 84-year-old mother of TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, is in its twelfth day.


Callella, a man from Hawthorne, California, declined to talk with News 4 Tucson following his initial appearance in Arizona.

Callella remains out of custody but is subject to various pre-trial restrictions before trial. These conditions include having his electronic devices monitored, not being able to travel except between Arizona and California and the states necessary to get from one to the other. 

Callella’s also ordered not to have any contact with alleged victims or potential witnesses. Another hearing date was not set by Judge Maria Aguilera Thursday. However an attorney for the defendant told News 4 Tucson he intends to try and waive his client’s appearance at arraignment. 

He is charged with transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, and utilizing a telecommunications device with intent to abuse, threaten or harass a person.

According to a criminal complaint, Callella allegedly transmitted a ransom demand and made threatening calls without revealing his identity on Feb. 4. “Did you get the bitcoin were waiting on our end for the transaction,” the text messages read, which were received by Guthrie’s daughter and son-in-law. It is also alleged that the 42-year-old made a call to a family member that lasted around 9 seconds following the incident. 

Law enforcement traced the messages to a VOIP number linked to Callella’s email and IP address in California. After being taken into custody, Callella admitted to sending the texts and making a brief call to Guthrie’s family, claiming he was he was trying to see if the family would respond.

News 4 Tucson’s Jacob Owens will have more on this story on News 4 Tucson at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Nancy was last seen on around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, and was reported missing the following day after she did not show up for church. 

Those who may have information regarding the investigation are urged to contact PCSD at 520-351-4900 or call 9-1-1. Tips can be sent to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information that can lead to an arrest regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. 

PCSD has established a Tip Line QR code where the public can submit photos or videos directly to the department regarding the case. PCSD reminds everyone that the tip line is for information related to the case, and is not meant for condolences. 

Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 foot 5 inches tall, 150 pounds, has brown hair, and has blue eyes. We are told that Nancy Guthrie is in frail health and is without the daily medications she needs to survive. Nanos confirmed the 84-year-old lived alone.

88-CRIME is offering a reward up to $2,500 is being offered for any information that can lead to an arrest or arrests in Guthrie’s disappearance. Anyone with a tip can contact 88-CRIME at 520-882-7463, where they can remain anonymous. 

Stay with News 4 Tucson for updates on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.Â