Ex-employee of Los Angeles County arrested for sending fake messages in Guthrie case

Investigators have been searching for answers in the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. A recent arrest made in the case involved a Southern California man, Derrick Callella, who allegedly sent ransom-style text messages to the Guthrie family.

Authorities clarified that the arrest does not resolve Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. The messages referencing bitcoin were sent after Nancy's children made a public appeal for help. Investigators believe Callella is not connected to the disappearance and that the communications were a hoax, not a legitimate demand.

Court records show that the texts were followed by a phone call to a family member, leading relatives to contact authorities. Callella admitted to following media coverage and finding the family's contact information online. He now faces federal charges related to transmitting ransom-related communications.

Callella's past legal issues have come to light following his arrest. Despite the arrest, the search for Nancy Guthrie is ongoing. Her family seeks verified information, and investigators warn against exploiting the situation, emphasizing consequences for such actions.

As authorities sift through hoaxes and credible leads, the central question remains: where is Nancy Guthrie, and how can she be safely returned home?