California man accused of sending fake ransom note related to Nancy Guthrie disappearance pleads guilty

TUCSON, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) - A California man accused of sending a fake ransom note in relation to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie entered a guilty plea Thursday in federal court.

The parents of Derrick Callella left the court room in Tucson, Arizona after their son pleaded guilty to sending a ransom demand across state lines and using a telecommunications device to threaten or harass.

Both charges are felonies.

The plea was part of a deal that resulted in a sentence of five years of probation.

In court, prosecutors told the judge Callella tested positive for drugs and defendant admitted to using drugs four days earlier.

The court asked Callella if he was under the influence at his court appearance, and he said he was not.

He will be formally sentenced in September.