At last, there’s been an arrest in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case — but not the kind many were hoping for.
Federal authorities have taken a man into custody, though they say he’s not believed to be one of Nancy’s actual captors. Instead, investigators claim he sent text messages to her family referencing bitcoin payments.
Facing two charges
A Southern California man has been taken into custody after authorities say he sent a fake ransom message to the family of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.
Derrick Callella was arrested Feb. 5 in Hawthorne, California, a city just south of Los Angeles International Airport, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
Federal prosecutors say Callella is facing two charges: allegedly sending a message demanding ransom for the release of a kidnapped person, and placing a phone call without identifying himself “with the intent to abuse, threaten or harass.”
According to TMZ, Callella allegedly sent a message to Nancy’s daughter, Annie, and her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, that read: “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.”
An attorney for Callella was not immediately available for comment.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on Sunday, Feb. 1. Authorities have said they are investigating her disappearance as a crime.
No one has been arrested in connection with the suspected abduction so far, even though ransom notes have been sent to several news outlets across the United States. In Derrick Callella’s case, it appears to be a hoax. He is not suspected of having any involvement in Nancy’s kidnapping.
Lasted 9 seconds
FBI Special Agent Kerry Witherspoon stated in the complaint that his texts were sent Feb. 4, shortly after Nancy’s children released a public video pleading for her safe return.
Investigators allege Callella later admitted to sending the messages through a voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) app. “[Callella] was trying to see if the family would respond,” the complaint states, according to USA Today.
“Data received shows that approximately three minutes after the text messages, Callella called a family member … which lasted 9 seconds.”
NEW: Photo of L.A. man arrested for sending texts to Guthrie family asking for bitcoin, according to Feds. Derrick Callella. pic.twitter.com/rL8mq0kNyD
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) February 6, 2026
Authorities clarified that “The two text messages have not been linked to the February 2, 2026, ransom demand” that was sent to Tucson news station KOLD. That earlier message, submitted through the station’s online tip portal, “listed a Bitcoin wallet address to receive the ransom payment.”
While investigators have not confirmed whether that ransom note is legitimate, FBI officials say they are treating it seriously. During a Feb. 5 briefing, Jon Edwards, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Tucson field office, said, “We’re taking the ransom note serious, and we are following that part of the investigation.”
Former county employee
Previous reports from FOX 11 show that this isn’t the first time Derrick Callella has been tied to an alleged illegal scheme.
In October 2025, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office identified Callella as one of 13 county employees accused of stealing a total of $430,000 in unemployment benefits. Callella faced one felony count of grand theft and one misdemeanor charge for his role in the theft of $437,383 in state unemployment benefits between 2020 and 2023.
Meanwhile, the Guthrie family has shared two emotional videos on social media, posted Feb. 4 and Feb. 5, addressing whoever may be responsible. In both messages, they asked for communication and proof that Nancy is still alive.
”We too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah said. ”As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke issued a strong warning to anyone attempting to exploit the situation. “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,” he said.
Janke first announced the arrest during a Feb. 5 press conference, describing it as connected to an “impostor ransom demand.” As the investigation continues, the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest of anyone involved in her disappearance.
Anyone with information is urged to call the FBI tips hotline at 800-225-5324, contact their local FBI office, reach out to the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.