Federal agents have arrested a man, Derrick Callella, in connection with hoax messages sent to the Guthrie family about bitcoin, but officials say the arrest is not a breakthrough in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Authorities say Callella, a Southern California resident, allegedly sent text messages and a brief phone call after the family’s public plea, attempting to exploit their fear. Investigators believe he was not involved in the actual abduction. Callella faces two federal charges: demanding ransom and placing a harassing call without identifying himself.
The Guthrie family continues to seek proof of life for Nancy, 84, mother of TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie, who went missing February 1 in Tucson. No arrests have been made in the abduction itself, and the FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to her recovery. Officials emphasize that hoaxes and false leads complicate the investigation but do not replace the need for credible evidence.