Federal authorities arrested an individual Thursday in connection with a fraudulent ransom demand tied to the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co‑host Savannah Guthrie. The arrest comes amid a nationwide search for the elderly Arizona woman, who has been missing since January 31.
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During a press conference in Tucson, Arizona, FBI Phoenix Special Agent Heith Janke announced that the bureau had taken into custody a person believed to have sent false ransom communications in an attempt to profit from the case. Janke described the suspect as a "total imposter" whose actions were not connected to any verified evidence in the ongoing investigation but instead were attempts to exploit the family's anguish. "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 said.
A Los Angeles man texted Nancy Guthrie's daughter Annie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni demanding Bitcoin after she was abducted from her Arizona home. He was identified as Derrick Callella.
While authorities have confirmed this arrest, they have stressed that it appears separate from the core disappearance investigation. At this stage, investigators do not have a confirmed suspect or person of interest in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, and there has been no proof of life or direct contact from any credible abductors. Officials are urging the public to treat all tips seriously and continue to come forward with any information relevant to her whereabouts.
Together with the FBI, the Pima County Sheriff's Department has expanded the search efforts, which now include specialized teams and forensic resources. The bureau has offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's safe return or to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for her disappearance. Investigators are reviewing digital records, phone data, and other electronic evidence while maintaining a full criminal investigation into both the disappearance and associated communications.
Latest update on Nancy Guthrie disappearance #news #breakingnews #NancyGuthrie #SavannahGuthrieLA man texted Nancy Guthrie's daughter Annie and son-in-law demanding Bitcoin after her abduction https://t.co/Nr1q15aftG via https://t.co/JkDNfc6W8q
— Karma Times (@karmatimes2024) February 5, 2026
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing by her family on February 1 after she failed to appear for a morning church service and could not be reached. Authorities have described signs of forced entry at her Tucson home and noted that she requires daily medication for serious health conditions, raising concerns for her welfare. Local law enforcement has classified her as a vulnerable adult and said they suspect she was taken against her will.
In the days since her disappearance, multiple ransom notes or messages have circulated, some directed at media outlets and others sent directly to family members. The FBI and sheriff's officials are analyzing each communication carefully, distinguishing between credible leads and fraudulent attempts, like the one that led to the arrest. Details on the identity of the person taken into custody and potential charges have not been fully released, and federal prosecutors are expected to present a complaint to a magistrate judge.
Savannah Guthrie has paused professional commitments and issued public pleas for her mother's safe return, stressing her mother's fragile health and emphasizing that any genuine information or contact should be reported immediately to law enforcement.
The FBI's warning at Thursday's press conference reiterated that exploiting a missing person case for financial gain will result in prosecution, and that the bureau remains committed to separating credible evidence from opportunistic hoaxes as the investigation continues.
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