Day 152 of Nancy Guthrie case: California man accused of sending ransom demand to appear in court for plea hearing | The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — The California man accused of trying to exploit Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is set to appear in federal court Thursday morning. 

Derrick Callella, 42, will appear in the federal courthouse in downtown Tucson on July 2 for a change of plea hearing. He faces federal charges for allegedly sending a ransom demand across state lines and using a telecommunications device to threaten or harass.

Stay with News 4 Tucson for the outcome of today’s hearing. 

The search for answers in Guthrie’s disappearance continues as the investigation reaches day 152.

On July 1, the FBI Phoenix released a statement on the several ransom notes received during the case. “Some have been deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy. Other ransom demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such,” FBI Phoenix said.

The agency confirmed it’s treating the case as a kidnapping for ransom.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department also released a statement saying investigators have received ransom notes related to the case. “Every tip and lead is taken seriously and is forwarded directly to work in coordination with the FBI,” PCSD said. 

The department asks anyone with questions about alleged ransom notes to contact the FBI.

The 84-year-old’s family urges the Tucson community to think back to Jan. 11, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 for anything out of the ordinary that might help lead to a break in the case.

Those with tips in reference to the case can contact 88-CRIME, and remain anonymous. Tips can be submitted through the 88-CRIME phone line, 88crime.org or the P3 Tips mobile app. 

Anyone with information about the case is advised to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or 88-CRIME. The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information, 88-CRIME is offering a $102,500 reward and the Guthrie family is offering a $1,000,000 reward. 

No press conferences are scheduled at this time. 

Stay with News 4 Tucson for updates on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.