A man from California admitted guilt in a harassment case involving the family of Nancy Guthrie, a missing woman. Derrick Callella, aged 42, from Hawthorne, confessed to harassing Guthrie’s family via telecommunications.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that Callella pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment by telecommunications device. His actions are the only criminal charges in the disappearance of the 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Guthrie, mother of ‘Today’ co-host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home five months ago.
In court, Callella admitted to contacting Guthrie’s family on February 4. He demanded a bitcoin transfer and knew of a previous ransom request. His goal was to harass the family while seeking information on the investigation.
Authorities apprehended Callella on February 5. Following his arrest, he acknowledged calling and texting Guthrie’s family. The family had made a public appeal for contact with her abductors, following reports of a ransom note demanding bitcoin.
The legal complaint notes that Callella attempted to speak with a family member for nine seconds. His charges carry a maximum sentence of two years and a potential $250,000 fine. However, his plea deal involves a five-year probation, with sentencing scheduled for September 10.
This case is under investigation, and updates will be provided as they develop.