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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The California man accused of writing a fake ransom note to the Nancy Guthrie family pleaded guilty this morning, July 2.
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Derrick Callella faced charges of transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce and utilizing 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 September 10th.
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 a family member.
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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 (internet) 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 the first video message to the kidnappers, asking for proof of life.
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