California Man Taken In by the FBI in Connection with Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance — Latest Updates
Authorities arrested a man after messages sent during the search for Nancy Guthrie drew federal scrutiny, and investigators say the case soon expanded beyond the arrest itself.
As concerns over the disappearance of "Today" co-host Samataha Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, intensified, federal authorities announced an arrest that immediately drew widespread attention and fresh questions.
But as more information emerged, it became clear the arrest was not as simple as it first appeared. What followed included federal filings, court records, and new explanations from Arizona that added unexpected layers to the case.
Authorities Detail Arrest
Federal authorities said Thursday, February 5, 2026, that a California man was taken into custody after allegedly contacting Guthrie's family during the height of public concern, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Investigators said the communications involved alarming messages sent across state lines, prompting rapid coordination between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local law enforcement.
The FBI says the text messages were not linked to the ransom demand, and investigators do not believe the suspect was connected to Guthrie's disappearance, as TMZ reported.
Prosecutors say the man has been charged via a criminal complaint filed in federal court with transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce and, without disclosing his identity, using a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten, or harass a person. A criminal complaint, they noted, does not imply guilt.
The FBI says the suspect admitted sending the messages after following media coverage of the case and obtaining family information online.
Authorities ultimately identified the suspect as Derrick Callella, emphasizing he is presumed innocent while warning that those accused of profiting from tragedy will be aggressively pursued.
As investigators detailed the federal allegations, court records revealed Callella was already facing scrutiny in an unrelated case.
What Derrick Callella Was Previously Charged With
Public records show Callella was previously charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office (LADA) as part of a broader unemployment fraud case involving Los Angeles County employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to LADA, Callella was one of 13 county employees charged with felony grand theft in a case alleging the group collectively stole $437,383 in state unemployment benefits between 2020 and 2023.
Court records allege Callella, a Department of Health Services intermediate clerk, individually received $9,984 in unemployment benefits between May 6, 2020, and Jan. 20, 2022, by falsely claiming he earned less than $600 per week while continuing to receive a county paycheck.
That earlier case remained active as new allegations surfaced. The Los Angeles Times stated that Callella appeared in state court on Wednesday for a preliminary hearing in that case. This was the same day he was accused of sending the scam-related text messages to the Guthrie family.
Federal officials told the outlet he was taken into custody Thursday in LA County and is expected to appear before a federal magistrate judge.
A lawyer representing Callella in the state case reportedly declined to comment and said she had not been contacted by federal authorities about the matter.
While attention turned to Callella's legal history, investigators in Arizona continued addressing unanswered questions tied to the disappearance itself.
Why No Doorbell Footage Exists
The Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) has offered a technical explanation for the absence of recorded video from Nancy's doorbell camera during the early hours of her disappearance, according to Fox News.
Sheriff Chris Nanos explained, "Sunday morning, early morning at 1:47 a.m., the doorbell camera disconnects. At 2:12 a.m., software detects a person on a camera, but there's no video available. They had no subscription and therefore it would rewrite itself, cut up. It just kind of loops right and covers up. That's what our analysis teams have told us."
The PCSD's clarification is one of several efforts by authorities to separate confirmed findings from speculation as the investigation continues.
As previously reported, that attention prompted Savannah and her siblings to speak directly about their mother.
A Family's Emotional Plea Breaks the Silence
In a tearful Instagram video posted on Wednesday, February 4, Savannah appeared seated beside her sister, Annie, and brother, Camron, addressing viewers directly. The post's caption underscored the family's message with a simple appeal: "Bring her home."
In the clip, Savannah thanked the public for "the prayers for our beloved mom," adding, "We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them, too."
Savannah portrayed her mother as a deeply caring and principled person whose faith and loyalty define her character. She emphasized that Nancy is loving and generous by nature, while also highlighting her lively personality and sharp wit.
"She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses," Savannah said. "She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her, and you'll see."
Savannah said her mother is in poor health and physically vulnerable. She explained that Nancy lives with constant pain and currently does not have access to the medication she relies on. The medication is necessary both for her mother's survival and to prevent further suffering.
In the closing seconds of the video, Savannah spoke directly to her mother, "Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman, you are God's precious daughter Nancy."
But the family also used the moment to address reports that have intensified concern around the case.
The Family Responds To Alleged Ransom Notes
Savannah said the family is aware of reports claiming ransom notes were sent to media outlets and addressed the issue directly during the video. She emphasized that the family remains actively engaged as the investigation continues. "We are doing everything we can," she said.
She explained that the family is proceeding cautiously amid unverified information circulating publicly:
"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. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us."
The statement underscored the family's insistence on verification before taking any further steps.
Those remarks came as new details were reported by a major media outlet.
News Outlet Details Alleged Ransom Demand
According to TMZ, the outlet received an alleged ransom note connected to Nancy's disappearance. The message reportedly demands a payment in the millions and instructs that the money be sent to a specific Bitcoin address, which TMZ said it verified as real.
The alleged note includes a deadline, but the exact timing was not disclosed, and it carries an implied threat.
They also reported that the message references personal details and damage to items at Nancy's Tucson-area home and said the information was forwarded to authorities.
Sheriff's Department Addresses the Ransom Report
The Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) acknowledged awareness of reports involving possible ransom communications. Officials said on X that investigators are reviewing tips, speaking with relevant individuals, and coordinating with federal partners.
Authorities emphasized that conclusions will be based on verified evidence rather than speculation.
Still, online attention intensified as new claims emerged elsewhere.
Authorities Deny Claims Involving a Family Member
Another TMZ report introduced a separate angle in the investigation after an independent journalist claimed a family member may have been under scrutiny.
The report focused on Savannah's brother-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, who is married to her sister Annie. It noted that Annie was reportedly the last person to see Nancy after they had dinner together Saturday night, while it remained unclear whether Tommaso was also present.
It also suggested investigators had taken steps involving property connected to Tommaso and raised questions about damage reported at Nancy's Tucson-area home.
Those assertions were later directly addressed by law enforcement. "We have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case. Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie. We are also awaiting additional forensic results," the PCSD told TMZ.
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