Man pleads guilty to writing ‘imposter’ ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case
TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD/Gray News) — A California man accused of writing a fake ransom note to Nancy Guthrie’s family pleaded guilty Thursday morning.
Derrick Callella was charged with transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce and using a telecommunications device with intent to abuse, threaten or harass a person.
He pleaded guilty to both counts and will receive 10 years’ probation when he is sentenced. His sentencing is set for Sept. 10.
The FBI said Callella, of Hawthorne, California, texted two of Guthrie’s family members on Feb. 4. He also allegedly made a nine-second call to one family member.
Callella is accused of texting Nancy Guthrie’s oldest daughter, Annie, and her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni.
According to court records, he used a VoIP phone line to send the following message: “Did you get the bitcoin were (sic) waiting on our end for the transaction.”
Investigators said the messages were sent moments after the Guthrie family released their first video message to Guthrie’s kidnappers, asking for proof of life.
This is a developing story.
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