Derrick Callella, the man accused of sending a hoax ransom message to the family of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, has been released from federal custody in Tucson, Arizona.
According to KOLD/Gray News, Callella appeared in federal court on Thursday, per local time, and was released under multiple conditions.
He faces one count of intent to transmit a ransom demand and one count of using a telecommunications device to anonymously abuse, threaten or harass a person.
Alleged fake ransom demand
Federal authorities allege that Callella posed as the suspected abductor and contacted the Guthrie family while the disappearance case was unfolding. Court documents cited by KOLD state that the family received a text message from a VOIP (internet-based) number that read: “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.”
{{/usCountry}}Federal authorities allege that Callella posed as the suspected abductor and contacted the Guthrie family while the disappearance case was unfolding. Court documents cited by KOLD state that the family received a text message from a VOIP (internet-based) number that read: “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.”
{{/usCountry}}Investigators said the message was sent shortly after the family released their first public video appeal asking for proof of life.
Law enforcement traced the VOIP line to a Gmail account registered to Callella and determined the communication originated from his Los Angeles-area home, according to court paperwork.
Release conditions
On Thursday, Callella was released with conditions that include no contact with victims or witnesses connected to the case. Authorities will also monitor his electronic devices as part of the release terms, reported KOLD/Gray News.
Officials have not indicated any evidence linking Callella to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance beyond the alleged ransom communication.
Reaction on X
The development prompted reactions on X, including from Eric Trump, who wrote: “If he really sent a hoax ransom during a case like this, that’s beyond cruel. Families deserve answers, not sick distractions that waste investigators’ time.”
Eric Trump is the chief vice president of the Trump Group and second son of US President Donald Trump.
Other users on the platform expressed outrage over the alleged interference in an active missing persons investigation. “Imagine being this retarded,” one comment read. “A pox upon him,” read another.
The investigation into Guthrie's disappearance remains ongoing.