Man Who Allegedly Sent Fake Ransom Note To Guthrie’s Released From Custody

A California man accused of exploiting a high-profile kidnapping case by sending a fraudulent ransom message has been released from federal custody in Arizona, even as investigators stress that such conduct will not go unpunished.

Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, California, appeared in federal court in Tucson on Feb. 12 and was released Thursday under strict conditions. He faces charges of transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce and using a telecommunications device with intent to abuse, threaten, or harass.

As he exited the federal courthouse, Callella declined to answer questions from 13 News reporter Katherine Patterson.

According to the FBI, Callella allegedly sent text messages on Feb. 4 to two family members of Nancy Guthrie, shortly after the family publicly appealed for proof of life from the suspected kidnappers. Investigators say he also placed a brief, nine-second phone call to one of them.

Court documents state that Callella used a VOIP, or internet-based, phone service to send the message: “Did you get the bitcoin (we’re) waiting on our end for the transaction.”

Authorities traced the VOIP number to a Gmail account registered to Callella and determined that the communication originated from his California residence. Officials emphasized that the messages tied to Callella have no connection to the original ransom demand that has been widely reported.

Callella was previously arrested and appeared in federal court in California on Feb. 6, where he was held on a $20,000 bond. Under the terms of his release, he is prohibited from contacting any victims or witnesses, and law enforcement will monitor his electronic devices.

Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported that the messages were allegedly sent by Callella to see whether the family “would respond,” according to Mediaite. Melugin further noted that investigators do not believe the texts are connected to the primary ransom demand.

In a post on X, Melugin said federal agents were able to identify Callella after determining he used a VOIP application and submitting an emergency disclosure request to his mobile carrier, which led them to his IP address and home in California.

The criminal complaint alleges that Callella sent the messages on or about Feb. 4 “with intent to abuse, threaten, or harass any specific person.”

The New York Post reported that the suspect, described as being in his mid-40s, allegedly contacted Guthrie’s daughter Annie and her son-in-law Tommaso Cioni regarding the disappearance.

Last week, Today show host Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a public video pleading for the safe return of their 84-year-old mother.

At a press conference in Arizona, the FBI confirmed that one individual had been arrested earlier that day for allegedly sending a fraudulent ransom message for financial gain.

Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix division, delivered a direct warning to anyone seeking to exploit the family’s ordeal.

“My next message is to those impostors who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation,” Janke said. “We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”

Meanwhile, TMZ reported receiving an unverified ransom letter earlier in the week. Editor Harvey Levin stated that federal authorities disclosed additional details about the letter during a subsequent briefing.

“So, the FBI just revealed some things about the letter we received that we have not talked about yet,” Levin said. “That second deadline is Monday — they’ve just announced that as well. We’re not going to say what gets triggered on each deadline, but the first one, the demands change, and the second one is much more serious.”

Federal officials have made clear that while the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues, those attempting to manipulate the situation for attention or profit will face serious consequences.