California man arrested for sending texts demanding ransom to Guthrie family; the internet protocol app has similarities to local school threats suspect Daryl Jones' case

FBI is offering $50,000 reward for any information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie or arrest and conviction in that case.

California resident Derrick Callella  was arrested by the FBI today sending texts to one of Guthrie's daughter and  her son-in-law for bitcoin after an Instagram video was posted by the family.

Callella used an internet protocol app which generated the same area code and worked similarly as the numbers in local school threats suspect Daryl Jones' case.

FBI Los Angeles posted this tweet at 3:32 p.m. I have included the FBI press release. There are copies of the unredacted complaint online which I initially posted. I am also including page 2 and 3 with redactions which was provided by FBI Los Angeles with the press release issued this afternoon.

FBI Press Release:

On Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, the FBI arrested Derrick Callella in Hawthorne, Calif.  Callella has been charged via a criminal complaint filed in federal court for transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, utilizing a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten, or harass a person.

“The Department of Justice will protect victims and families at all costs, and grief profiteers will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “This case came together in under 24 hours because of the coordinated work of the FBI, local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.”

“To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation – we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke.

Per policy, the FBI does not release booking photos.