Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old man from California, has pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment using a telecommunication device for sending fake ransom notes to the family of Nancy Guthrie, who disappeared earlier this year. The plea was announced in a press release from the US Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.
Details of the Harassment
Callella called and sent text messages to the Guthrie family on February 4, after Nancy Guthrie is believed to have been abducted. In his correspondence, he asked about a bitcoin transfer, referencing an earlier ransom demand. He admitted he was trying to harass the family by seeking information about the case.
Legal Consequences
The maximum penalty for harassment using a telecommunication device is two years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, and one year of supervised release. The sentencing will be determined by the court.
Background of the Case
Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing earlier this year after failing to show up for church. Investigators revealed that the FBI had received several fake ransom demands, but some may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated.
Savannah Guthrie has made multiple public pleas for anyone with information on her mother's disappearance to come forward. She is one of Nancy's three children, all desperate for answers.
