Authorities announced Wednesday that an arrest has been made tied to an alleged “imposter ransom demand” connected to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie.
An FBI official revealed the arrest during a Feb. 5 news conference but did not identify the suspect or detail the charges.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen the night of Jan. 31 after being dropped off at her Catalina Foothills home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue. She was reported missing the following day when family members realized she never showed up for church.
Investigators say Guthrie does not have her necessary medication. She is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Authorities have not said what she was wearing when she vanished.
Officials believe Guthrie was taken from her home against her will.
TMZ and KOLD 13 News in Tucson previously reported receiving ransom notes tied to the case.
An email sent to KOLD reportedly included a deadline and a demand for a specific amount of money in exchange for Guthrie’s safe return. The station turned the message over to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is working alongside the FBI to determine whether the note is credible.
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) related to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. All tips and leads are being taken seriously and are forwarded directly to our detectives, who are coordinating with the FBI. We encourage anyone with information or tips to submit them,” the sheriff’s office said.
The Guthrie family, led by Savannah, released a tear-jerking video pleading with potential captors to return their beloved mother.
Despite the arrest, authorities said no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified in Guthrie’s disappearance.
