Federal agents have arrested a suspect in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation, but officials say it is not the breakthrough many hoped for. Authorities allege that 84-year-old Nancy, mother of Savannah Guthrie, was targeted by an opportunist who sent bitcoin-related ransom messages to the family. Investigators believe the communication was a hoax rather than evidence of involvement in her disappearance.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Derrick Callella was arrested in Hawthorne, California, on February 5. He faces federal charges related to sending ransom demands and making a threatening call. Officials say he allegedly used a VOIP application to disguise his identity and later admitted attempting to provoke a response.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation emphasized that Callella is not charged with Nancy’s suspected abduction. The case remains active, with a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to her safe recovery.
