An arrest has been made in connection with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, though authorities say it is not related to the suspected abduction itself. Federal officials report that the individual taken into custody is not believed to be involved in Nancy’s disappearance. Instead, investigators allege he sent messages to the family referencing cryptocurrency payments.

Facing Two Charges

A Southern California man has been detained after authorities say he sent a false ransom message to the family of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.

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

Federal prosecutors state that Callella faces two charges: allegedly sending a ransom-related message concerning a kidnapped person and making a phone call without identifying himself with the intent to harass or alarm.

Media reports say the message referenced a requested bitcoin transaction. As of the latest updates, his attorney had not issued a public comment.

Nancy Guthrie, identified as the mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on Feb. 1. Authorities have said the case is being investigated as a possible crime. No arrests have been made in connection with the suspected abduction itself, and officials say the investigation is ongoing. In Callella’s situation, authorities describe the messages as a hoax and say he is not suspected of involvement in the disappearance.

Brief Phone Contact

According to a federal complaint cited by media outlets, the messages were reportedly sent shortly after the family shared a public video requesting help and information. Investigators allege Callella later acknowledged sending the texts using a voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) app. Authorities say a brief phone call to a family member followed, lasting only a few seconds.

Officials clarified that those texts have not been connected to a separate ransom message reportedly sent earlier to a Tucson news outlet that included a bitcoin wallet address. Law enforcement has not confirmed the credibility of that earlier message but has stated it is being reviewed carefully.

During a Feb. 5 briefing, an FBI representative said authorities are treating all tips seriously and continuing to examine all aspects of the case.

Prior Legal Issues

Public records referenced by local media indicate Callella had previously been named in an unemployment benefits fraud case involving multiple county employees. Those earlier allegations are separate from the current investigation.

Meanwhile, members of the Guthrie family have shared public messages asking for verified information and emphasizing the need for reliable proof of Nancy’s well-being. In their statements, they expressed willingness to communicate while also noting the importance of confirming the authenticity of any claims.

An FBI official also issued a warning against anyone attempting to exploit the situation, stating that misleading or fraudulent actions related to the case would be investigated.

Authorities have announced a reward for information that may help locate Nancy Guthrie or identify anyone directly involved in her disappearance.

Anyone with credible information is encouraged to contact official FBI tip channels or local law enforcement.

As the investigation continues, officials emphasize that verified updates will come through official sources.