Ex-LA County worker arrested in Nancy Guthrie case

At last, there has been an arrest in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case — but not the breakthrough many had hoped for.

Federal authorities have confirmed that a Southern California man has been taken into custody. However, investigators say he is not believed to be involved in the actual disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Instead, officials allege he sent fraudulent messages referencing bitcoin payments to members of her family.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Derrick Callella was arrested on February 5 in Hawthorne, California, just south of Los Angeles International Airport.

Facing Two Federal Charges

Prosecutors say Callella is facing two charges:

Transmitting a message demanding ransom for the release of a kidnapped person

Placing a phone call without identifying himself with the intent to abuse, threaten, or harass

Authorities allege that Callella sent a text message to Nancy’s daughter, Annie, and her husband, Tommaso Cioni, that read:

“Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.”

An attorney for Callella was not immediately available for comment. As with all criminal complaints, he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Officials have emphasized that this alleged communication appears to be a hoax and is not believed to be connected to Nancy Guthrie’s suspected abduction.

A Call That Lasted Just Seconds

In the federal complaint, FBI Special Agent Kerry Witherspoon stated that the text messages were sent on February 4 — shortly after Nancy’s children released a public video pleading for her safe return.

Investigators allege Callella later admitted to sending the messages through a voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) application. According to the complaint, he was allegedly “trying to see if the family would respond.”

Data reviewed by authorities reportedly shows that approximately three minutes after sending the texts, Callella placed a phone call to a family member. The call lasted only nine seconds.

Importantly, officials clarified that these two text messages have not been linked to a separate ransom demand sent February 2 to Tucson news station KOLD. That earlier message reportedly included a Bitcoin wallet address for payment and is still under investigation.

While authorities have not confirmed whether that ransom demand is legitimate, FBI officials say they are treating it seriously.

During a February 5 briefing, Jon Edwards, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Tucson field office, stated:

“We’re taking the ransom note serious, and we are following that part of the investigation.”

Previously Charged in Another Case

Public records indicate this is not the first time Callella has faced legal scrutiny.

In October 2025, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office identified him as one of 13 county employees accused of stealing unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors alleged the group collectively stole more than $430,000 in state funds between 2020 and 2023.

Callella was charged with one felony count of grand theft and one misdemeanor count related to allegedly receiving nearly $10,000 in unemployment benefits while continuing to receive a county paycheck. That case remains active.

Family’s Emotional Plea

Meanwhile, the Guthrie family continues to focus on Nancy’s safe return.

Nancy Guthrie — the mother of Savannah Guthrie — was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on February 1. Authorities have stated they are investigating her disappearance as a crime.

In two emotional social media videos posted February 4 and 5, Savannah and her siblings addressed whoever may be responsible. They urged direct communication and asked for proof that Nancy is alive.

Savannah said:

“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”

Her message underscored the family’s caution amid widespread speculation and unverified claims circulating online.

FBI Issues Warning

At a February 5 press conference, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke described the arrest as connected to an “impostor ransom demand.”

He issued a direct warning to anyone attempting to exploit the case:

“To those impostors who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation — we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”

As the search continues, the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest of anyone involved in her disappearance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tips hotline at 800-225-5324, reach out to a local FBI office, contact the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit information at tips.fbi.gov.

For now, while one arrest has been made, the central question remains unanswered — and the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues.