Arrest Made in Connection to Imposter Ransom Note Related to Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance

Following the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, the FBI made an arrest in connection to an imposter ransom note, authorities revealed during a press conference held Thursday, February 5.

“The FBI just made an arrest on a tip that we got that we thought there could be something here,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters during Thursday’s press conference, adding that they are taking all leads seriously — but won’t reveal too much information, due to false tips being submitted.

After receiving multiple ransom notes and/or tips, it was revealed at the press conference that officials are taking one of the notes very seriously due to the facts associated with it and what they seem to believe is a connection to Nancy.

“The one that went to the media is the one we’re currently investigating and working on,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke.

“The imposter that I talked about, where an arrest was made early this morning…,” he added. “We believe there’s no evidence to connect this to Nancy’s case. It was someone that was trying to profit from it. A total imposter.”

The Today anchor’s mother was reportedly last seen on the night of Saturday, January 31, and she was reported missing the following day by family members after she failed to show up at church.

After multiple teams, including homicide detectives, responded to the scene over the weekend — and Sheriff Nanos said there was cause for “great concern” — it is now being treated as a possible kidnapping or abduction.

Nancy is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds; she has brown hair and blue eyes. While it’s been said that Nancy does not live with any cognitive issues, her life could be in danger if she does not take her medication daily, per authorities.

Savannah, 54, and her family issued a desperate plea late Wednesday night asking for Nancy’s safe return home. The Today anchor has since dropped out of covering the upcoming Olympics amid the search for her mother.

The FBI has now announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy “and or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.”