L.A. County 'imposter' demanded the Guthries pay bitcoin ransom for mother's return, authorities allege
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A Los Angeles County man was arrested after he sent “imposter” ransom messages to the family of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, whose mother remains missing from her Arizona home in a suspected abduction, federal officials said Thursday.“To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix division, said at a news conference.He said Thursday’s arrest was made after investigators tracked down an “imposter ransom demand,” which was unrelated to a separate ransom letter received by news outlets that officials are taking seriously.
Guthrie and her siblings this week addressed the suspected abductor in a tearful video, asking them to reach out directly and provide some proof of life of their mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.World & Nation A security camera at Nancy Guthrie’s home was disabled about 30 minutes before it appears she left her home early Sunday morning, according to a new timeline from officials.After that emotional video was posted and publicized, authorities say Derrick Callella, of Hawthorne, sent messages to Guthrie family members.
“Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction,” read the message sent to at least two family members, according to the federal criminal complaint filed in Arizona.Callella, 42, is accused of using a voice over internet protocol text and call application to surreptitiously reach out to the family, but authorities were able to link the phone number to his email address and, later, his residence, according to the complaint.
According to data reviewed by authorities, Callella texted the family twice and called them at least once.The complaint said Callella later admitted to sending the two text messages.“The Departm...