“This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case,” the FBI tells EW in a statement.

FBI confirms some Nancy Guthrie ransom notes determined to be fake, others are still being investigated

"This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case," the FBI tells EW in a statement.

By Kathleen Perricone

July 1, 2026 9:56 p.m. ET

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Nancy Guthrie. Credit:

Savannah Guthrie/Instagram

- The FBI confirms some Nancy Guthrie ransom notes are fake, while other demands "may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."

- Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos added "every tip and lead is taken seriously" by local detectives and the FBI.

- Savannah Guthrie also released a statement reflecting on "five months of agony and unending trauma" since her mother disappeared.

The FBI is setting the record straight on the veracity of several ransom notes related to the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie.

One day after *Reuters* cited an anonymous source claiming "none of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine," the bureau is clarifying erroneous reports to **.

"The FBI and its task force partners have received several ransom notes over the course of this investigation," the FBI National Press Office says in a statement. "Some have been deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy. Other ransom demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."

The statement continues, "This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case. The FBI has and will continue to offer all assistance possible in the investigation — however local authorities remain the lead."

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, whose efforts in the Guthrie case have been criticized by FBI director Kash Patel, also released a statement acknowledging his department "has received information regarding potential ransom notes."

However, he stopped short of commenting on their integrity — and punted questions about the case right back to the feds.

"Every tip and lead is taken seriously and is forwarded directly to our detectives, who continue to work in coordination with the FBI," Sheriff Nanos said. "Any questions regarding alleged ransom notes should be directed to the FBI."

Earlier in the day on Wednesday, the five-month anniversary of Guthrie's disappearance, Sheriff Nanos addressed the *Reuters* report in an interview with local Tucson, Ariz., news station KOLD. "I guess there's something out now that says the FBI or the sheriff dismissed notes — that is not the truth. What we know is we have a number of notes that we are going to continue to investigate," he said.

Savannah Guthrie also released a statement to KOLD on Wednesday reflecting on the "five months of agony and unending trauma" since her mother vanished without a trace.

"There is not a moment that goes by that we aren't actively trying to find our mom," said the *Today* host. "We thank the people of Tucson for holding her in their hearts, as well as both the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Office for their tireless work on behalf of our family. Bring her home."

Nancy and Savannah Guthrie.

savannahguthrie/Instagram

At least three ransom notes were sent following the mysterious disappearance of 84-year-old Guthrie, who was reported missing from her Tucson home on Feb. 1.

That day, the first note received by TMZ and two local Arizona TV stations demanded $4 million to be paid in bitcoin by Feb. 5 for Guthrie's safe return.

When the deadline passed, a follow-up note reportedly offered an "apology" for her death and agreed to return her remains in exchange for the original $4 million. NBC News also reported the second ransom note claimed Guthrie was deceased, but did not express regret nor seek payment for her body.

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The third note, sent to TMZ and forwarded on to the FBI on June 26, sought money in exchange for "a short video of the main guy with Nancy the day that was probably her last, pictures of both involved, names and addresses and age." According to TMZ, the sender is the same as the first two notes.

At the time, Sheriff Nanos questioned the third letter's legitimacy.

"I think the FBI has done a number of arrests for false or fake ransom notes," he said in an interview on the *Buckmaster Show, *which aired on Arizona radio station KVOI AM 1030. "It's a shame that that happens, but I think we're looking at another one of those today."

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