Individual Arrested for ‘Imposter Ransom Demand’ Relating to Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy.

An arrest has been made in the case involving Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie — but authorities say it’s connected to an imposter ransom demand, not necessarily to Nancy’s disappearance itself.

At a Thursday, Feb. 5 press conference, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI shared updates five days after Nancy — a mother of three — vanished from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

FBI: One person arrested over “imposter” ransom demand

FBI Agent Heith Janke said investigators are reviewing ransom-related messages tied to Nancy’s disappearance and confirmed that one individual has been arrested for allegedly creating a fake ransom note.

“We have made one arrest related to an imposter ransom demand, and a complaint will be presented to a magistrate judge later today,” Janke said, adding a warning to anyone attempting to exploit the case for money or attention.

“My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation,” Janke said. “We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”

Authorities said the arrest happened the morning of Feb. 5.

Media ransom note described as “total imposter”

Janke said one ransom note being investigated is a message that was sent to members of the media earlier in the week. According to the FBI, the media had not actually seen the note.

“We believe there’s no evidence to connect this to Nancy’s case,” Janke said. “It was someone that was trying to profit from it, a total imposter.”

Complaint alleges texts to family referenced bitcoin

In a criminal complaint, Derrick Callella was named as the defendant and accused of two violations — one involving intent to transmit a ransom demand, and another involving use of a telecommunications device without identifying himself, allegedly with intent to abuse, threaten, or harass.

The complaint stated that Callella allegedly sent text messages to Nancy’s daughter Annie and Annie’s husband, including a message that read: “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.”

According to the complaint, Callella admitted to sending the texts and said he found the family’s information on a “cyber site” after following the case on television. Investigators also said records showed he placed a brief call to a family member that lasted nine seconds.

Investigators: No abductor contact since note went to media

Authorities also said during the press conference that there has been “no contact” by potential abductors to the Guthrie family since the ransom note was sent to media outlets.

Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators still have no suspects or persons of interest identified in Nancy’s disappearance.

$50,000 reward offered

Janke also announced that a $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or the arrest of anyone responsible for her disappearance.

Timeline: Nancy last seen Jan. 31; blood confirmed hers

Authorities said Nancy was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, at her Tucson home. Investigators believe she was taken against her will. Family members reported her missing around noon the next day after she didn’t arrive at church.

Several days after she disappeared, investigators confirmed that blood found at the home belongs to Nancy, according to Sheriff Nanos.

Nanos has also said Nancy’s mobility limitations make it unlikely she wandered off, despite being mentally sharp.

“She is really just as sharp as a tack,” Nanos said. “And that too is concerning… somebody came into that home, and I believe took her out there without her permission. It was against her will.”

Savannah Guthrie stays in Arizona as search continues

Savannah, 54, has not appeared on the Today show this week as she remains in Arizona with her family while the search continues. Amid the investigation, she also pulled out of NBC’s 2026 Winter Olympics coverage, a move confirmed by the network.

On Monday night, Savannah posted on Instagram asking followers to “please pray” for her mother. In a video shared Wednesday, Savannah and her siblings spoke directly to Nancy.

“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman,” Savannah said. “You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy… Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.”