🚨 BREAKING: FBI JUST SLAMMED THE CUFFS ON A SHOCKING “INSIDER” IN THE NANCY GUTHRIE KIDNAPPING NIGHTMARE… AND IT’S NOT WHO ANYONE EXPECTED! 😱

Savannah Guthrie is reportedly “shattered beyond repair” after federal agents hauled away a suspect whose identity has the entire nation reeling. This isn’t some random opportunist—this is someone who knew way too much, exploiting a desperate family in their darkest hour 👇

Federal authorities have arrested a Southern California man accused of sending a fake ransom demand to the family of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, amid the ongoing investigation into her disappearance from her Tucson home.

Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, California, was taken into custody by the FBI on February 5, 2026, and made his initial court appearance the following day in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana. Court documents outline two federal charges against him: transmitting a communication containing a demand for ransom in connection with a purported kidnapping, and using a telecommunications device anonymously with intent to abuse, threaten, or harass a specific person.

According to the criminal complaint, Callella allegedly contacted relatives of Nancy Guthrie, including her daughter Annie Guthrie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni, inquiring about Bitcoin payments related to the ransom. Messages reportedly included questions like, “Did you get the bitcoin we’re waiting on our end for the transaction?” Authorities say he posed as connected to the suspected abductors, exploiting the high-profile case for personal gain.

The arrest came just days into the search for Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing after failing to attend a church event on February 1, 2026. Investigators with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI determined evidence at her home indicated she was taken against her will. No primary suspect in the disappearance has been named, and the FBI has stressed that Callella’s actions appear opportunistic rather than directly linked to the abduction.

The case has gripped national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a co-anchor on NBC’s “Today” show. In emotional public statements, including videos posted to social media, the family has expressed deep concern for Nancy’s health—she requires daily medication and has limited mobility—and pleaded for her safe return. Savannah Guthrie has described the ordeal as a time of “desperation,” urging the public to share information.

Multiple ransom communications have surfaced since the disappearance. Some emails and notes, demanding millions in Bitcoin with specific deadlines, have been deemed credible enough by investigators to pursue, while others were quickly identified as hoaxes. One prior deadline passed on February 5 without further contact, and a subsequent Monday deadline also lapsed. The FBI has not confirmed ongoing negotiations with any kidnappers and stated it is unaware of continued communication between the family and alleged captors.

In response to the hoax attempts, FBI officials have warned that exploiting the crisis will result in prosecution. “We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” one agent said during a press briefing.

Adding to the mystery, authorities released chilling surveillance footage and still images on February 10, 2026, showing a masked individual—believed to be male—tampering with the Nest doorbell camera at Nancy Guthrie’s residence around 1:47 a.m. on February 1. The person, wearing gloves, a ski mask, and carrying a backpack, appears to have a holstered handgun. The footage, previously inaccessible, provides the first visual clue in the case and has intensified efforts to identify the figure.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI are operating a 24-hour command post, with investigative teams and crisis experts involved. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Experts and former law enforcement officials have weighed in on the ransom notes. Some point to unusual phrasing—such as referring to dollars as “USD”—as a potential red flag that the demands could originate overseas or be fabricated. Others note the inclusion of specific details about Nancy’s clothing and home interior in certain messages, suggesting possible insider knowledge or careful observation.

The disappearance has drawn comparisons to other high-profile abduction cases, with online speculation running rampant. President Donald Trump reportedly spoke with Savannah Guthrie last week, highlighting the national interest. However, officials have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified theories that could hinder the investigation.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on January 31, 2026, after dinner with family members. She was dropped off at her home, and subsequent checks revealed her absence. The case remains active, with searches continuing in the Tucson area and beyond.

As the investigation enters its second week, the Guthrie family continues to hold out hope. In one recent video, Savannah Guthrie emphasized belief that her mother is “still out there” and appealed directly for help from anyone with information.

The arrest of Callella serves as a reminder of the secondary crimes that can emerge in high-visibility missing persons cases. While it does not resolve the central mystery of Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts, it underscores law enforcement’s commitment to pursuing all leads and protecting victims’ families from further exploitation.

Authorities continue to ask anyone with information to contact the FBI tip line or local officials. The search for Nancy Guthrie remains a top priority, with every resource deployed to bring her home safely.