A California man has pleaded guilty to sending a fake ransom message during the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie. The case remains active, and authorities continue searching for the missing 84-year-old.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, 42-year-old Derrick Callella admitted to sending text messages and making phone calls to Nancy Guthrie’s family on Feb. 4 after learning that an earlier ransom demand had already been made. Prosecutors said his actions were intended to harass the family and obtain information about the investigation.
Facing Federal Sentencing
Callella pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment using a telecommunications device. He now faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10.
Authorities stressed that false ransom demands can divert investigative resources and cause additional trauma for families already coping with a loved one’s disappearance.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona, home on Jan. 31 before being reported missing the following day. Investigators believe she was abducted, and the FBI has continued to treat the case as a kidnapping investigation.
Earlier this week, the FBI clarified that while several ransom messages received during the investigation have been identified as fraudulent extortion attempts, other ransom demands have not been ruled out and are still being actively investigated. Officials have urged the public not to assume every communication connected to the case is fake.
Family Continues Public Appeal
Savannah Guthrie has repeatedly spoken about the emotional toll the disappearance has taken on her family, describing the uncertainty as agonizing while asking the public to continue sharing information that could help investigators.
The guilty plea closes one chapter of the investigation, but it does not bring answers about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts. Law enforcement agencies continue to encourage anyone with credible information to come forward as the search remains active.
