The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie — mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie — took a stunning turn Thursday after the FBI announced it had arrested a man accused of posing as a kidnapper and issuing a bogus ransom demand.
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke confirmed the arrest at a press conference, explaining the scheme had zero connection to Nancy’s disappearance. “It was someone trying to profit off it,” he said, noting that a formal complaint will be presented to a magistrate judge.
Janke warned anyone else attempting to cash in on the family’s anguish that investigators are paying close attention. “We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” he said. “This is an 84-year-old grandma who needs vital medication. You still have time to do the right thing before this becomes a much worse scenario for you.”
Despite the false ransom stunt, the real search remains wide open. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said his team is chasing every lead and still believes Nancy is alive. “We want her home,” he said. “Our entire community is hurting with you.”
Authorities stressed that no suspect or person of interest has been identified, despite rumors spreading online.
Nancy vanished after failing to show up for church on Sunday. She was last seen Saturday evening at her home in Arizona.
On Wednesday night, Savannah and her siblings Annie and Camron released a heartfelt video pleading for their mother’s safe return. “Our mom is a kind, faithful, fiercely loving woman,” Savannah said. “She loves adventure. She is funny and clever. She has grandchildren who absolutely adore her.”
The siblings confirmed that an alleged ransom note had been sent to a news outlet but said they need proof of life before engaging. “We are ready to talk,” Savannah said. “But we need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you. Please, reach out to us.”
The search continues across Arizona as the family holds onto hope — and investigators ramp up pressure on anyone attempting to exploit the case.
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I wrote on OANN yesterday that this will go in a bizarre direction…
Many people figure one of the relatives did it…
I hope the authorities have not totally ruled out that she may have just wandered off on her own and they are doing a search of the local area.