Federal authorities confirmed that a California man was taken into custody after allegedly sending concerning messages to members of the Guthrie family during the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Officials emphasized, however, that the arrest related to those communications is separate from the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice and federal court records, investigators allege the man, identified in reports as Derrick Callella, contacted family members while the case was receiving national attention. Prosecutors say the messages included language resembling a ransom demand and were sent across state lines, prompting coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies. Callella was charged through a criminal complaint with offenses related to transmitting ransom-related communications and misuse of telecommunications. Authorities noted that he is presumed innocent.
Federal officials also clarified that the messages attributed to Callella are not connected to other reported ransom communications previously sent to media outlets in Arizona. Investigators stressed that they are carefully distinguishing between unrelated incidents to avoid confusion while the broader case remains active.
Court records indicate that Callella had previously faced legal issues unrelated to the Guthrie case, including charges connected to an unemployment benefits investigation in California. Officials have said those earlier allegations are separate and are not linked to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Meanwhile, Arizona authorities continue to focus on determining what happened to Nancy Guthrie. Investigators have addressed questions about available surveillance footage and technical limitations, while reiterating that no suspect or person of interest has been identified. Law enforcement has urged the public to rely on confirmed information as the investigation continues and to avoid speculation that could interfere with the search for answers.