FBI Arrests Man Over 'Impostor' Ransom Texts in Guthrie Case
Derrick Callella was arrested in Hawthorne, Calif., on Feb. 5 and charged with two federal crimes tied to texts sent to Nancy Guthrie’s family.
USA TODAYMan behind Nancy Guthrie 'impostor ransom demand' is arrested
New York Daily NewsFBI arrests ‘imposter’ over ransom demand in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Daily CallerREPORT: Feds Arrest Alleged Ransom Imposter In Nancy Guthrie Case
Western JournalBreaking: FBI Arrests Man for Allegedly Targeting Nancy Guthrie's Family with Demands
Daily BeastFBI Arrests Man Accused of Deceiving Nancy Guthrie’s Family
Overview
Derrick Callella, 42, was arrested in Hawthorne, Calif., on Feb. 5 and charged with transmitting a ransom demand and making anonymous interstate communications, according to a criminal complaint filed in the District of Arizona.
The complaint alleges Callella sent identical texts on Feb. 4 to Annie Guthrie and Tommaso Cioni reading "Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction" after Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a Feb. 4 video pleading for Nancy Guthrie's return.
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke announced the arrest in a Feb. 5 briefing, said investigators are "taking the ransom note serious," and vowed to investigate impostors who try to profit from the case, according to officials.
Callella faces two federal counts, the FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery, and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators have identified no suspects or persons of interest, officials said.
Officials said the two texts have not been linked to a February 2, 2026 ransom demand sent to a Tucson news outlet and that investigators have not verified the authenticity of ransom notes as the probe continues.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story neutrally: they use hedging ("alleged"), attribute claims to law-enforcement, flag the ransom note as unverified, and quote both FBI and family statements. Editorial voice avoids loaded language; reporting emphasizes official sources and factual sequence while noting lack of defense comment.
FAQ
Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old man from Hawthorne or Torrance, California, was arrested on February 5, 2026, and charged with transmitting a ransom demand and making anonymous interstate communications intended to harass or threaten.[1]
Callella sent identical texts on February 4 to Annie Guthrie and Tommaso Cioni stating: 'Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction'.
Authorities traced the texts to a VOIP account linked to Callella's email and home address; he admitted to sending them after being read his Miranda rights, stating he wanted to see if the family would respond.
No, Callella's texts are not linked to Nancy Guthrie's abduction or a prior February 2 ransom demand sent to a Tucson news outlet; he is considered an impostor.[1]
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona home on February 3, 2026; blood matching her DNA was found on her porch, no suspects are identified, and a $50,000 FBI reward is offered for information leading to her recovery.[4]
