{"id":28087,"date":"2026-02-05T18:10:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T02:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/socal-imposter-demanded-bitcoin-ransom-for-nancy-guthries-return-feds-say\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T18:10:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T02:10:06","slug":"socal-imposter-demanded-bitcoin-ransom-for-nancy-guthries-return-feds-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/socal-imposter-demanded-bitcoin-ransom-for-nancy-guthries-return-feds-say\/","title":{"rendered":"SoCal ‘imposter’ demanded bitcoin ransom for Nancy Guthrie’s return, feds say"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Case<\/h1>\n

A Los Angeles County man was arrested after he sent \u201cimposter\u201d ransom messages to the family of \u201cToday\u201d co-host Savannah Guthrie, whose mother remains missing from her Arizona home in a suspected abduction, federal officials said Thursday.<\/p>\n

Background on the Investigation<\/h2>\n

\u201cTo those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,\u201d Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI\u2019s Phoenix division, said at a news conference. He said Thursday\u2019s arrest was made after investigators tracked down an \u201cimposter ransom demand,\u201d which was unrelated to a separate ransom letter received by news outlets that officials are taking seriously.<\/p>\n

The Emotional Plea from the Guthrie Family<\/h3>\n

Guthrie and her siblings this week addressed the suspected abductor in a tearful video, asking them to reach out directly and provide some proof of life of their mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.<\/p>\n

Details of the Imposter’s Messages<\/h4>\n

After that emotional video was posted and publicized, authorities say Derrick Callella, of Hawthorne, sent messages to Guthrie family members. \u201cDid you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction,\u201d read the message sent to at least two family members, according to the federal criminal complaint filed in Arizona.<\/p>\n

Tracking Down the Imposter<\/h5>\n

Callella, 42, is accused of using a voice over internet protocol text and call application to surreptitiously reach out to the family, but authorities were able to link the phone number to his email address and, later, his residence, according to the complaint. According to data reviewed by authorities, Callella texted the family twice and called them at least once. The complaint said Callella later admitted to sending the two text messages.<\/p>\n

Statement from the Department of Justice<\/h6>\n

\u201cThe Department of Justice will protect victims and families at all costs, and grief profiteers will be held accountable,\u201d Arizona U.S. Atty. Timothy Courchaine wrote in a statement. \u201cThis case came together in under 24 hours because of the coordinated work of the FBI, local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Central District of California.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charges Against Callella<\/h6>\n

Callella has been arrested on suspicion of transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, utilizing a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten or harass a person. He was taken into custody Thursday in L.A. County and will appear before a federal magistrate judge in the morning, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney\u2019s office in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

Previous Charges Against Callella<\/h5>\n

According to federal officials, he is the same individual who was charged with unemployment fraud in October by the Los Angeles County district attorney\u2019s office, accused along with 12 others of working for the county while also filing for \u2014 and receiving \u2014 unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. He appeared in state court for a preliminary hearing in that case Wednesday, according to court records, the day he is accused of sending the texts to the Guthries.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The arrest of Derrick Callella serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit vulnerable families during times of crisis. The swift action by law enforcement demonstrates a commitment to protecting victims and their families from such egregious acts. As the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues, the community remains hopeful for her safe return and grateful for the diligence of the authorities in pursuing all leads, including those that seek to capitalize on the family’s distress.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n