Torrance Man Arrested for Demanding Bitcoin Ransom from Guthrie Family in Desperate Bid for Information on Missing Mother
A California man has been taken into custody by the FBI after allegedly sending a series of threatening text messages to members of the Guthrie family, including Savannah's daughter and son-in-law, just two days after Nancy Guthrie went missing. According to authorities, Derrick Callella demanded Bitcoin from the family, but his actions have raised concerns that he may be trying to extort information about Nancy's disappearance.
The FBI has charged Callella with transmitting a demand for ransom and intends to abuse, threaten or harass using a telecommunication device. The agency warns that it will investigate anyone attempting to profit from this situation, assuring the public that any action taken on a ransom is ultimately decided by the family.
Callella allegedly created a fake phone number to send the threatening messages, which were tracked to an email associated with him. After being read his Miranda rights, he confessed to sending the text messages and stated he was trying to see if the family would respond.
The FBI's Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke has issued a warning, urging anyone attempting to take advantage of the situation to be aware that the agency will investigate and hold them accountable for their actions.
Savannah Guthrie addressed the reports of a ransom letter in a video message with her siblings on Wednesday, expressing her desire to talk to Nancy's kidnappers without hesitation. However, she warned that the family is prepared for any scenario and will only respond if they are certain about Nancy's safety.
A California man has been taken into custody by the FBI after allegedly sending a series of threatening text messages to members of the Guthrie family, including Savannah's daughter and son-in-law, just two days after Nancy Guthrie went missing. According to authorities, Derrick Callella demanded Bitcoin from the family, but his actions have raised concerns that he may be trying to extort information about Nancy's disappearance.
The FBI has charged Callella with transmitting a demand for ransom and intends to abuse, threaten or harass using a telecommunication device. The agency warns that it will investigate anyone attempting to profit from this situation, assuring the public that any action taken on a ransom is ultimately decided by the family.
Callella allegedly created a fake phone number to send the threatening messages, which were tracked to an email associated with him. After being read his Miranda rights, he confessed to sending the text messages and stated he was trying to see if the family would respond.
The FBI's Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke has issued a warning, urging anyone attempting to take advantage of the situation to be aware that the agency will investigate and hold them accountable for their actions.
Savannah Guthrie addressed the reports of a ransom letter in a video message with her siblings on Wednesday, expressing her desire to talk to Nancy's kidnappers without hesitation. However, she warned that the family is prepared for any scenario and will only respond if they are certain about Nancy's safety.
like, can't they just leave a fam alone? 
Derrick Callella makes a fake phone number and sends out these threatening texts just to see if the family would respond... I mean, come on, that's some next level stuff 
. And now he's trying to extort Bitcoin from them? 
Like, what's the end goal here? Is he really gonna get away with it or is he just trying to make a name for himself? 
The FBI is all over this and I'm sure they'll catch him in no time 
. But seriously, can't we all just be more empathetic towards people who are going through a tough time? Like, Nancy's fam is literally grieving right now and some random dude is trying to profit off their pain 
.
This guy Callella is literally like something out of a thriller movie... I mean, sending threatening texts asking for Bitcoin in exchange for info on his missing mom? 
this guy is seriously freaking me out!!! Like I cant even imagine putting myself in those shoes and sending threats to someone who's already going through so much grief 
. How can you do that?! And Bitcoin ransom, like what is wrong with people these days? 
. Savannah Guthrie being super strong and calm in her video message is giving me LIFE 
.
this is already so messed up 
.
. The FBI needs to keep a close eye on this guy and make sure no one else tries to exploit the situation for their own gain 
. I can only imagine how hard it must be for Savannah and her family to even think about responding to these threats, and it's just not right that someone like Callella is making them feel like they're in a constant state of crisis 
.
This case has all the hallmarks of a twisted game of cat and mouse 
. The fact that Callella created a fake phone number to send threatening messages, only to confess to it when caught by the FBI, raises more questions than answers 
. It's heartening to see them remain steadfast in their desire for closure, while also exercising caution and prudence 
. The FBI's warnings about investigating anyone attempting to take advantage of the situation is a clear indication that they will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice 
.
. It's a sobering thought that someone like Callella exists, and it highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies being vigilant in such situations