Nancy Guthrie Update: Retired FBI Agent Receives 4 Ransom Notes

Michelle Stein October 7, 2026, 10:48 am

Savannah Guthrie and Nancy Guthrie on 'Today' — Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

What To Know

Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer revealed she received four ransom emails demanding bitcoin.
Coffindaffer believes the messages were likely scams similar to those sent to Nancy’s neighbor.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has deemed recent ransom messages not credible, warned the public about potential scams, and confirmed the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains active.

Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mom, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing after her February abduction in Tucson, Arizona — and retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer revealed that she received four ransom notes two months after her disappearance.

In an interview with Newsweek published on October 6, Coffindaffer confirmed receiving emails from the alleged kidnappers and shared what she did with them. The person demanded bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s release and included an AI-generated photo of Guthrie.

“I never responded to any of them,” Coffindaffer said. “I went straight to the FBI with them.”

Additionally, the retired FBI agent said she thinks the emails were from scammers. Her reason for speaking out now? Coffindaffer said she believes the ransom emails were from the same individual or people who wrote similar demands to Nancy’s neighbor, Lauren Serpa, in September.

Statement regarding the Guthrie Investigation – https://t.co/ba0kVIOoWU

— Pima County Sheriff’s Department (@PimaSheriff) September 29, 2026

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On September 29, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement via X, writing: The PCSD/FBI Guthrie Task Force was made aware of a new possible ransom text message related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation. After further review, investigators determined the text message is not credible.”

The message encouraged folks to “remain vigilant,” warning: “Scammers may attempt to take advantage of this situation. Do not send money or provide personal information in response to unsolicited messages.”

To conclude the update, the PCSD shared, “Investigators will continue to review reported messages for credibility and investigate any potential attempts at extortion. The Nancy Guthrie investigation remains active and ongoing.”

Nancy, 84, was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on the evening of January 31. As of writing, no suspect has been named in her disappearance, despite Savannah offering $1 million in reward money.