California Man Charged for Sending Fake Ransom Texts to Family of Savannah Guthrie

 PHOENIX, AZ — Federal authorities have charged Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, California, with transmitting fake ransom demands to the family of Today show co‑host Savannah Guthrie amid the ongoing search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.

According to a criminal complaint filed Thursday in Arizona federal court, Callella sent text messages on February 4 to Guthrie’s sister, Annie, and brother‑in‑law, Mason Cioni, from a phone number traced to a VoIP account linked to his home. The messages demanded confirmation of a bitcoin payment, reading in part: “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.” Investigators say the texts were unrelated to an earlier unverified ransom note received by media outlets on February 2, which described details of Nancy Guthrie’s home and clothing.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her Tucson‑area home in the Catalina Foothills on January 31 after last being seen around 9:30 p.m., according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Authorities are treating the case as a potential abduction, noting signs of a crime scene at the residence. Blood found at the home was confirmed to belong to Guthrie. Officials have emphasized that she requires daily medication, raising urgent concerns for her health.

After his arrest by the FBI, Callella admitted to sending the texts following Miranda warnings. He told agents he gathered family details from online sources and television coverage, claiming he sent the messages “to see if the family would respond.” He also made a brief call to a relative shortly after. Cell data and account records corroborated his involvement.

Callella now faces charges of transmitting a ransom demand related to a kidnapped person and interstate communications intended to harass or threaten. Court records also show he was previously charged in 2025 with stealing unemployment benefits while employed as a Los Angeles County health services clerk.

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains ongoing. Sheriff Nanos has urged the public to provide tips, stressing that community assistance is vital in locating Guthrie. Savannah Guthrie has not publicly commented on the hoax, as the family continues to focus on the search for her mother.

This case highlights the disturbing exploitation of a family’s grief and fear during a critical missing‑person investigation. While authorities pursue justice against Callella, the priority remains finding Nancy Guthrie and ensuring her safe return.

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