HAWTHORNE, CA – A Southern California man has pleaded guilty in federal court to sending fraudulent ransom demands to the family of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
The Fake Bitcoin Ransom Demand
Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, entered a guilty plea on July 2 in a Tucson, Arizona federal courthouse. He pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment using a telecommunication device.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Callella targeted the family on February 4, 2026, demanding a Bitcoin transaction shortly after the distraught family released a public video pleading for their mother’s safe return. Callella admitted his actions were explicitly intended to harass the family and fish for information regarding the ongoing investigation.
Callella now faces a maximum penalty of up to two years in federal prison and a potential fine of $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for September 10.
A Pattern of Hoaxes In Kidnapping Case
While Callella is the first to face criminal charges, FBI sources confirm that Nancy Guthrie’s family has been bombarded with multiple fake ransom notes. Investigators previously flagged at least three separate fraudulent messages, including an early demand for $4 million in Bitcoin, which were later deemed hoaxes by federal agents.
The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on the morning of February 1 after failing to arrive at a friend’s home for a virtual church service.
The investigation remains highly active:
- Doorbell Footage: A Google Nest camera captured footage of an armed, masked individual at her home on the night of her disappearance.
- Ongoing Analysis: The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that forensic analysis of DNA and video evidence is still underway.
- Massive Reward: The Guthrie family is currently offering a $1 million reward for any information that leads to the recovery of their mother.
