Man facing federal charges, accused of being ransom note ‘imposter’ in Nancy Guthrie case

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — Investigators say a California man is facing federal charges for posing as the suspected abductor in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance and sending messages to the family.

Federal documents stated that Derrick Callella faces two charges in connection with a phony ransom demand in the search for the mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie.

Court paperwork showed that on Wednesday, Annie Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s sister, and Tommaso Cioni, Nancy Guthrie’s son-in-law, each got a text from a VOIP (internet) phone line.

The text read: “Did you get the bitcoin we’re waiting on our end for the transaction.”

According to investigators, the messages were sent moments after the family released a video message asking for proof of life.

Law enforcement traced the phone line and found it was registered to Callella’s Gmail account and determined the call was made from his California home.

When federal agents arrived at his home, Callella reportedly admitted to sending the two text messages.

Federal authorities said the texts have not been linked to the ransom demand that has been reported by multiple outlets.

Authorities said they believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her Tucson-area home against her will over the weekend, with her blood being found on the porch of the house.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he has no proof that the 84-year-old is still alive, but the team is holding out hope she is “still out there.”