Man Pleads Guilty in Fake Ransom Note Abduction Case

Nancy Guthrie’s case takes another turn after a Californian man, Derrick Callella, pleaded guilty in an Arizona federal court for sending fake ransom notes. The charges stem from fraudulent Bitcoin demands sent to the family of Savannah Guthrie, Today show co-anchor.

The 42-year-old Hawthorne resident pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment by telecommunications device, marking the only criminal conviction so far from the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie five months ago.

The plea deal carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, Callella is set to serve five years on probation.

Guthrie’s fate remains unknown as the underlying kidnapping case remains unsolved. She was last seen alive on January 31 at her Tucson home. Her blood was found on her front porch later confirming it was hers.

Callella was arrested on February 5, four days after Guthrie was reported missing. He admitted to calling and sending text messages to Guthrie’s family on February 4 inquiring about a Bitcoin transfer and knew an earlier ransom demand had been made.