Man behind Nancy Guthrie 'impostor ransom demand' is arrested
- - Man behind Nancy Guthrie 'impostor ransom demand' is arrested
Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily PressFebruary 6, 2026 at 2:27 AM
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Man behind Nancy Guthrie 'impostor ransom demand' is arrested
A Southern California man has been arrested on suspicion of allegedly transmitting a false ransom demand to Nancy Guthrie's family.
Derrick Callella was arrested in Hawthorne, California – a city just south of Los Angeles International Airport – on Feb. 5, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona announced.
According to the criminal complaint, Callella faces two federal charges: allegedly transmitting communication containing a demand or request for a ransom for the release of any kidnapped person and also making a phone call, without disclosing his identity, with the intent to abuse, threaten or harass a person.
A lawyer for Callella could not be immediately reached by USA TODAY.
"Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in February 2026. See photos of the mother-daughter duo together through the years on NBC and beyond. Here, they're pictured in an undated photograph. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance as a "crime."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>"Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in February 2026. See photos of the mother-daughter duo together through the years on NBC and beyond. Here, they're pictured in an undated photograph. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance as a "crime."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UNq0inOD2934CMBhotpkog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02NTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/14f3de19fc08f44dfd89c7cc19282e60 class=caas-img data-headline="Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy together through the years" data-caption="
"Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in February 2026. See photos of the mother-daughter duo together through the years on NBC and beyond. Here, they're pictured in an undated photograph. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance as a "crime."
">"Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in February 2026. See photos of the mother-daughter duo together through the years on NBC and beyond. Here, they're pictured in an undated photograph. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance as a "crime."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UNq0inOD2934CMBhotpkog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02NTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/14f3de19fc08f44dfd89c7cc19282e60 class=caas-img>
Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/z1N1sar5CB_dVtM5y2BUPw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7e224f5fc92da9e1708eb4d2d64bda2 class=caas-img data-headline="Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy together through the years" data-caption="
Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
">Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/z1N1sar5CB_dVtM5y2BUPw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7e224f5fc92da9e1708eb4d2d64bda2 class=caas-img>Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kQ9kL2uGR49Q44hN2k8ypg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY1MQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bccc120cbb6633cbec0288ce1ca4279d class=caas-img data-headline="Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy together through the years" data-caption="
Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
">Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kQ9kL2uGR49Q44hN2k8ypg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY1MQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bccc120cbb6633cbec0288ce1ca4279d class=caas-img>Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured on April 17, 2019, on "Today with Hoda & Jenna.”
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/m_BLRc5BI7Xq1zGMaDjcdw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5efc0d3a04c5383bc37bf5ab68cdbe5f class=caas-img data-headline="Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy together through the years" data-caption="
Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured on April 17, 2019, on "Today with Hoda & Jenna.”
">Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured on April 17, 2019, on "Today with Hoda & Jenna.”
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/m_BLRc5BI7Xq1zGMaDjcdw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5efc0d3a04c5383bc37bf5ab68cdbe5f class=caas-img>Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BEp02PbfZ4Uk7pbbDVWwfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/161630d8a173f1675660daeabfa7fbbf class=caas-img data-headline="Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy together through the years" data-caption="
Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
">Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BEp02PbfZ4Uk7pbbDVWwfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/161630d8a173f1675660daeabfa7fbbf class=caas-img>Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie, is pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Pictured here are Savannah and her mother on the set of the "Today" show on June 15, 2023.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RvhNrzVpatGrykwlNQcgnw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2eede2f51b46ee150bcc66b48c8d9627 class=caas-img data-headline="Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy together through the years" data-caption="
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie, is pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Pictured here are Savannah and her mother on the set of the "Today" show on June 15, 2023.
">Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie, is pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Pictured here are Savannah and her mother on the set of the "Today" show on June 15, 2023.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RvhNrzVpatGrykwlNQcgnw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2eede2f51b46ee150bcc66b48c8d9627 class=caas-img>Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_LVU6Upt2jChxIgHh8RYqg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b019535737fbdd7903c345060e32ba83 class=caas-img data-headline="Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy together through the years" data-caption="
Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
">Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_LVU6Upt2jChxIgHh8RYqg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b019535737fbdd7903c345060e32ba83 class=caas-img>
1 / 8Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy together through the years
"Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in February 2026. See photos of the mother-daughter duo together through the years on NBC and beyond. Here, they're pictured in an undated photograph. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance as a "crime."
Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Text about bitcoin transaction was sent to Nancy Guthrie's daughter, son-in-law
In the complaint, Callella is accused of texting "A.C. and T.C., the daughter and son-in-law of N.G." – who appear to be Annie and Tommaso Cioni – identical messages that read: "Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction."
According to FBI Special Agent Kerry Witherspoon, who leveled the charges against Callella in the complaint, the communication was sent on Feb. 4, after the three Guthrie siblings released a video pleading for Nancy Guthrie's return.
Witherspoon alleges Callella admitted to sending the texts from a voice over internet protocol (VOIP) text and call application.
"[Callella] 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 ... which lasted 9 seconds."
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 4, 2026.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 4, 2026.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sYYd2Ok2OUkwGRPOqypb0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b9af33ae8d928879db37b17594cb2ae3 class=caas-img data-headline="Nancy Guthrie's community holds a vigil as search continues" data-caption="
People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 4, 2026.
">People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 4, 2026.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sYYd2Ok2OUkwGRPOqypb0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b9af33ae8d928879db37b17594cb2ae3 class=caas-img>People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AtYKJy0jT0mkAvyPoS2_zA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2ad297397c07b7da59c48305bfa857e5 class=caas-img data-headline="Nancy Guthrie's community holds a vigil as search continues" data-caption="
People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church.
">People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AtYKJy0jT0mkAvyPoS2_zA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2ad297397c07b7da59c48305bfa857e5 class=caas-img>
A supportive sign left by neighbors is posted outside of the home of Nancy Guthrie.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/q6upiezDtjAnjHfupwAHeg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/626163e4fe16fd1cf3ce98860758f43e class=caas-img data-headline="Nancy Guthrie's community holds a vigil as search continues" data-caption="
A supportive sign left by neighbors is posted outside of the home of Nancy Guthrie.
">A supportive sign left by neighbors is posted outside of the home of Nancy Guthrie.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/q6upiezDtjAnjHfupwAHeg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/626163e4fe16fd1cf3ce98860758f43e class=caas-img>
Pima County Sheriff's deputies walk through the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's home after her disappearance.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TdF4jreX_VmII1jdpMMKIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bfc084373ad2bfd4824510aba07f5671 class=caas-img data-headline="Nancy Guthrie's community holds a vigil as search continues" data-caption="
Pima County Sheriff's deputies walk through the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's home after her disappearance.
">Pima County Sheriff's deputies walk through the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's home after her disappearance.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TdF4jreX_VmII1jdpMMKIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bfc084373ad2bfd4824510aba07f5671 class=caas-img>Media broadcasts outside the home of Nancy Guthrie.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pHwJ2iWtNcE_qY5eFLESKA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/23325f369fe3ead77d6b38d2050d73b2 class=caas-img data-headline="Nancy Guthrie's community holds a vigil as search continues" data-caption="
Media broadcasts outside the home of Nancy Guthrie.
">Media broadcasts outside the home of Nancy Guthrie.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pHwJ2iWtNcE_qY5eFLESKA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/23325f369fe3ead77d6b38d2050d73b2 class=caas-img>
1 / 7Nancy Guthrie's community holds a vigil as search continues
People attend a vigil at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 4, 2026.
Per Witherspoon, "The two text messages have not been linked to the February 2, 2026, ransom demand" sent to Tucson news station KOLD. That communication was sent to the CBS affiliate's online tip portal and "listed a Bitcoin wallet address to receive the ransom payment," Witherspoon wrote.
In a Feb. 5 statement, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said, "To those impostors who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation – we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions."
Janke had announced the arrest in connection with an "impostor ransom demand" during a media briefing the morning of Feb. 5.
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.
Those with information can contact the FBI tips hotline at 800-225-5324. You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Nancy Guthrie impostor ransom demand leads to arrest
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
