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By Dan Gooding and Gabe Whisnant
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Derrick Callella of Los Angeles was arrested on allegations that he sent text messages to members of Nancy Guthrie’s family seeking information about sending bitcoin, authorities said.
Investigators said in the criminal complaint that the messages are not believed to be connected to a separate ransom demand made on February 2 in the case involving Guthrie’s disappearance.
The Context
Guthrie's disappearance has generated national attention as she is the mother of NBC Today host Savannah Guthrie. Law enforcement in Arizona is treating the case as an abduction, with the Pima County Sheriff describing a disturbing scene at the woman's home immediately raising concerns when she was reported missing Sunday.
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What To Know
Authorities confirmed Thursday that a Los Angeles man has been arrested after allegedly sending text messages to members of Nancy Guthrie’s family asking about bitcoin.
The suspect, identified as Callella, reportedly contacted Guthrie’s daughter and son‑in‑law, seeking to see if the family would respond. According to a criminal complaint, the texts are not linked to the ransom demand received on February 2.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, set out two allegations against Callella, who authorities alleged reached out to the Guthrie family, asking: "Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction."
The message had come from a phone number generated by a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, meaning it was not Callella's main phone number. Officers submitted an emergency request to identify the user, and the account was linked to Callella.
FBI special agent Kerry Witherspoon, who wrote the complaint, said that after Miranda warnings, Callella admitted to sending the two messages after following the case on TV. He wanted to see if relatives would respond, Witherspoon said, and he tried to call a family member, with data showing the call lasting 9 seconds.
Callella was accused of:
- intending to transmit a demand for ransom, transmitting in interstate or foreign commerce any communication containing any demand or request for a ransom or reward for the release of any kidnapped person,
- making a telephone call and utilizing a telecommunications device, whether or not conversation or communication ensues, without disclosing his identity and with intent to abuse, threaten, or harass any specific person.
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Newsweek analysis of public records and reports linked Callella, 42, of Torrance, California, to a recent case in Los Angeles County involving 13 county employees, who were accused of stealing over $430,000 in unemployment benefits.
Callella allegedly stole $9,984 in unemployment benefits between May 6, 2020, and January 20, 2022, the Los Angeles County District Attorney said in a press release on October 15, 2025.
Court records for the Guthrie case did not immediately list an attorney for Callella.
Savannah Guthrie's Mother Nancy Missing: Latest on the Case
On Thursday’s Today show, reporters said investigators are still working to recover video from surveillance cameras at the home of Nancy Guthrie. Google, which owns the Nest smart home system installed at the residence, is assisting law enforcement in the effort.
The update came as friends and colleagues continue to rally around the Guthrie family. Sally Shamrell, who worked with Savannah at a local NBC station, told Today she helped organize a prayer service for Nancy, describing her as “like a second mother.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday evening at her Tucson‑area home. Authorities believe she was taken against her will and have declared the property a crime scene. The FBI is assisting the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at a press conference on Thursday that he believed technology is "going to really help us solve this case."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said Thursday that no proof of life was offered with a ransom letter sent in connection with the suspected abduction.
He said at the press conference that they had not received any follow-up communication since the ransom demand.
What People Are Saying
Savannah Guthrie, in a video message to her mother's abductor on Wednesday: “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."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke, at a press conference on Thursday: “We are actively reviewing and analyzing information from all digital sources, which includes banks, social media companies, phone companies and any other organizations where a digital footprint could have been captured."
What Happens Next
Further details on Callella's case, including a court appearance, were not yet made public Thursday afternoon. The investigation into Guthrie's disappearance continues.
Update 2/5/26, 4:33 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 2/5/26, 5:02 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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