""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," Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI's Phoenix division, said at a news conference. He said Thursday's arrest was made after investigators tracked down an "imposter ransom demand," which was unrelated to a separate ransom letter received by news outlets that officials are taking seriously."
""Guthrie and her siblings this week addressed the suspected abductor in a tearful video, asking them to reach out directly and provide some proof of life of their mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. After that emotional video was posted and publicized, authorities say Derrick Callella, of Hawthorne, sent messages to Guthrie family members. "Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction," read the message sent to at least two family members, according to the federal criminal complaint filed in Arizona.""
Federal officials arrested Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, after he sent imposter ransom messages to Savannah Guthrie's family following the suspected abduction of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. Investigators traced messages sent via a voice over internet protocol (VOIP) text and call application to an email address and Callella's residence. One message asked about bitcoin and referenced awaiting a transaction. The imposter ransom demand was unrelated to a separate ransom letter received by news outlets. Data show Callella texted twice and called at least once; he later admitted to sending the texts. Federal agencies pledged to investigate imposters and hold grief profiteers accountable.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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