Los Angeles-area man pleads guilty in Guthrie ransom texts
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Tucson, Arizona — Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old Los Angeles-area resident, pleaded guilty on July 2 in federal court in Tucson to two counts of transmitting communications demanding ransom after sending fake bitcoin ransom texts and placing a brief phone call to relatives of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was last seen at her Tucson home on January 31 and reported missing on February 1. Federal prosecutors said the plea carries statutory maximum penalties of up to two years imprisonment and fines of $250,000, though the agreement calls for five years of probation; sentencing is scheduled for September 10. The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office cited cellphone data tying a nine-second call on February 4 to the defendant and court filings state he admitted monitoring media coverage before contacting the family; the underlying disappearance investigation remains active.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- January 31, 2026: Nancy Guthrie last seen at her Tucson home.
- February 1, 2026: Family discovers Guthrie missing and reports disappearance.
- February 4, 2026: Family received bitcoin ransom-demand texts and a nine-second phone call.
- July 2, 2026: Derrick Callella pleaded guilty to two federal counts related to the communications.
- September 10, 2026: Sentencing for Callella is scheduled in U.S. District Court in Tucson.
Why This Matters to You
This case highlights the growing misuse of technology in crimes. It's a reminder to be cautious of unexpected communications demanding money, even if they seem linked to a personal situation. Always verify before responding.
The Bottom Line
Derrick Callella exploited a family's fear during a vulnerable time. His actions could land him in prison for up to two years, with a hefty fine. Stay informed about such scams to protect yourself and your loved ones. Worth forwarding if you know someone who could benefit from this cautionary tale.
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Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies benefited from securing a plea that holds an individual accountable for harassing communications tied to the Guthrie case and deters similar exploitation of grieving families.
The Guthrie family suffered continued emotional distress and uncertainty about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts, compounded by opportunistic hoax communications and ongoing unresolved disappearance.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
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From Right
California man pleads guilty for texting Nancy Guthrie ransom notes to family
Toronto Sun
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