Tucson, Arizona — A California man has pleaded guilty to harassing the family of missing Arizona woman Nancy Guthrie by sending fake ransom demands via text messages, demanding Bitcoin payments despite knowing an earlier ransom note had been issued.

Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne (or Torrance area), California, admitted to two counts of harassment using a telecommunication device. Court documents reveal he repeatedly contacted family members, asking about a Bitcoin transfer and seeking information about the investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance.

The Hoax Messages

According to the plea, Callella used a VoIP phone line to send messages such as: “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.” These texts were sent to Guthrie’s daughter and son-in-law shortly after a separate ransom demand was made public. He reportedly admitted the intent was to harass the family and probe for investigative details.

Authorities have emphasized that Callella is not believed to be connected to Nancy Guthrie’s actual disappearance.

Background on the Nancy Guthrie Case

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC’s Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Tucson home in early 2026. Her case gained national attention after a ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin was sent to media outlets. The family and investigators have been navigating the high-profile search amid ongoing threats and false leads.

Sentencing and Penalties

Callella is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10. Each count carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, along with one year of supervised release. Under his plea agreement, he faces probation rather than prison time in some reports, though full terms will be determined at sentencing.

This case underscores the emotional toll on victims’ families from opportunistic individuals who exploit high-profile missing persons cases for harassment or personal gain. The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues, with her family still seeking answers.