FBI arrests suspected imposter over fake ransom demand linked to Nancy Guthrie case

The FBI has arrested an individual accused of attempting to profit from the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie by issuing a fraudulent ransom demand, officials confirmed during a press conference on Thursday.

Heith Janke, the FBI Phoenix special agent in charge, appeared alongside the Pima County Sheriff’s Department to address developments in the ongoing investigation into the suspected kidnapping of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 at her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that, aside from the arrest related to the fake ransom demand, there have been no arrests directly connected to Guthrie’s disappearance. He added that there are currently no suspects or persons of interest in the case. Guthrie was declared missing after she failed to attend her regular church service on Sunday following her disappearance.

Authorities revealed that on Tuesday, news outlet TMZ received a ransom note demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin. While law enforcement is treating the note seriously, officials said they have also received additional ransom demands believed to be fraudulent and sent by individuals seeking to exploit the situation.

“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,” Janke said. He confirmed that one individual has been arrested and that a formal complaint will be presented to a magistrate judge.

The ransom note received by TMZ reportedly set an initial deadline of 5 pm on Thursday, with a further deadline described as more serious scheduled for Monday. Investigators have not disclosed details about the arrested individual or the nature of the complaint at this stage.

Search efforts for Nancy Guthrie are continuing with support from federal authorities, as investigators pursue all available leads related to her disappearance.