Ex-County Employee Accused of Extortion Against TV Host's Family

New federal charges have been filed against a former Los Angeles County employee for allegedly sending a ransom text message. The message was directed to Annie Guthrie, sister of television host Savannah Guthrie, and her husband, Tommaso Cioni. The text reportedly demanded bitcoin, stating, "Did you get the bitcoin were waiting on our end for the transaction." The accused individual subsequently made a brief phone call to an unidentified family member of an 84-year-year-old woman, Nancy, who was reported missing on January 31st. This action is considered illegal interstate threatening communication and extortion.

The former employee has admitted to sending the ransom demands, telling the FBI he found family information online and was watching TV. He claimed the text messages were an attempt to elicit a response from the family. Legal experts note that such actions, even if a ruse, are criminal offenses and can result in substantial prison sentences. The family could also pursue a separate civil case for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Authorities released surveillance photos on February 10th showing a masked and gloved individual near Nancy's Tucson, Arizona home, appearing armed. While a man named Carlos Palazuelos was briefly detained, he was later released. Savannah and her siblings have made public pleas for their mother's safe return.