FBI says Nancy Guthrie ransom notes fake; California man pleads guilty

Federal investigators have concluded that the ransom notes linked to the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" co‑host Savannah Guthrie, are not genuine. An anonymous FBI source told Reuters, "None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine," and the agency said some of the messages are extortion attempts while others remain under review.

Separately, a Los Angeles‑area man, Derrick Callella, pleaded guilty in Tucson federal court to two counts of harassment by telecommunications device for sending fake ransom demands. He admitted sending text messages on February 4 asking the family about a Bitcoin transfer, acknowledging the intent was to harass the family. The plea carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing set for September 10.

Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home on February 1, prompting a multi‑agency kidnapping‑for‑ransom investigation. The FBI continues to treat the case as an active kidnapping investigation and is evaluating any new leads, while the family has offered a reward for information.