FBI Arrests ‘Imposter’ In Nancy Guthrie Case

Savannah Guthrie continues to search for her missing 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie, and as authorities call on the public for help, they have been confronted with an imposter.

The FBI recently revealed that an arrest has been made regarding an imposter, and the ransom note that was sent demanding millions in Bitcoin funds.

During a press briefing on Thursday, February 5, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke confirmed the arrest of someone claiming to be involved in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, according to Us Weekly.

“We have made one arrest related to an imposter ransom demand, and a complaint will be presented to a magistrate judge later today,” Janke said at the briefing. “You will get more on that from the FBI and our U.S. Attorney’s office here in Arizona when it becomes available.”

“There’s no evidence to connect this to Nancy’s case. It was someone that was trying to profit off it,” Agent Janke added.

He then gave warning to those who may be inclined to present false information regarding the case in an attempt to collect reward money.

“My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation,” Janke said. “We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions. This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her wellbeing. You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you.”

Also during Thursday’s briefing, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with the FBI, announced a $50,000 reward for the return of Nancy Guthrie, according to Variety.

The reward is for any information leading to Nancy’s whereabouts and/or “the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance,” per Agent Janke.

“The FBI has agents, analysts and professional staff employees working day and night with our partners at the sheriff’s department,” Janke confirmed. “We have deployed additional intelligence and agents from our Phoenix office.”

Almost a full week since her disappearance on January 31, Chris Nanos of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, provided the update that there are still “no suspects” in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

“At this time, we have not identified a suspect or a person of interest in this case,” Nanos, per Variety. “We are working our best to do that. To be clear: we have nobody of interest or any suspects that you would consider a prime suspect.”

“I have no clue where that comes from,” he clarified. “We have been very consistent — we are not discussing that at all, whether it’s forced entry or not forced entry.”

According to PEOPLE, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have confirmed that the blood found on the exterior porch of Nancy’s Arizona home positively matches her DNA.

Earlier this week, authorities in the case previously labeled Nancy’s home as a crime scene after discovering what they described as “very concerning” conditions. They also said there has been “no proof of life” as of now.

In an Instagram video, with her siblings Annie and Cameron, Savannah pleaded for her mother’s return.

“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah said in the video.

“As a family, we are doing everything that we can,” the “Today” show co-host said. “We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”

“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman,” Savannah continued. “You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley He is with you.”