NEW: Los Angeles Man Arrested For Sending Text Messages to Guthrie Family Asking For Bitcoin as Search Intensifies For Missing Matriarch
A Los Angeles man named Derrick Callella was arrested by the FBI for sending text messages to the Guthrie family asking for Bitcoin as the search intensifies for the missing matriarch.
The text messages are not connected to the ransom demand.
84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on Saturday night.
The elder Guthrie went ‘missing’ from her Pima County, Arizona, home over the weekend and law enforcement described it as a ‘crime scene.’
MISSING PERSON: Nancy Guthrie https://t.co/FckPCHSXKu pic.twitter.com/BcHeWPppzu
— Pima County Sheriff's Department (@PimaSheriff) February 2, 2026
Callella told law enforcement that he sent the text messages to the Guthrie family to see if they would respond.
On February 2, a CBS affiliate in Tucson, Arizona, received a ransom demand via their tip line. They demanded a Bitcoin payment.
Late Wednesday evening, the Guthrie family released a video statement on Instagram.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah Guthrie and family 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,” they said. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
“We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen…Please reach out to us,” they said.
WATCH:
Federal authorities said after the Guthrie family released a video pleading for help, Callella tried to use a VOIP app to harass them.
Callella was hit with two counts: transmitting a ransom demand related to a kidnapped person, and anonymous interstate communications intended to harass or threaten.
BREAKING: LA man arrested for allegedly sending texts messages to Nancy Guthrie daughter and son in law members asking about sending bitcoin. The man, Derrick Callella, says he just wanted to see if family would respond. Criminal complaint says the texts are not linked to… pic.twitter.com/p1jBVLSak7
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) February 5, 2026
President Trump said he spoke Savannah Guthrie
“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump said.
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