FBI is ‘very interested’ in latest Nancy Guthrie ransom note – Celebrity News – Entertainment

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is taking a close interest in the latest ransom note sent to TMZ, following the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie.

TMZ claimed that four ransom-related emails have now been received by the entertainment news outlet. TMZ founder Harvey Levin told Fox News that the most recent message has drawn significant attention and prompted extensive contact with the Bureau.

Appearing on Hannity, Levin was questioned about whether there had been any progress regarding the ransom notes, “and your guarantee to the person writing them that you would pass on the information to the FBI and guarantee they get the reward money now up to $200,000?” continued Sean Hannity.

“Couple of things.” said Levin. “It’s not just the letters that we received from the person demanding money in return for information, it’s also the ransom note we got. I will tell you, the FBI is very interested in both the ransom letter and these demand letters — in particular today. I mean, there was a lot of communication between us and the FBI. So, they are really interested in this.”

Levin continued, “That does not mean they’ve cracked it because frankly, I don’t think they have, but they are certainly trying.”

Levin said going forward, TMZ would not confirm whether additional letters have been received. He explained that revealing too much detail or suddenly withholding information could risk signalling developments to the suspect. “We’re just not going to say anything,” he confirmed.

On Monday, Levin, with the knowledge of the FBI, said he was prepared to act as a go-between for the individual sending the notes and federal agents.

Addressing the author of the messages directly, he warned that providing false information would amount to committing a “serious federal crime.” At the same time, he sought to reassure the individual that any genuine tip leading to the kidnapper’s capture would secure the advertised reward.

He said, “If you’re worried about getting this money, and you really do have this information, send it to us… we will forward it to the FBI, and that way there is a record that we have that you supplied this information.”

Levin continued, “If they find her and they find the kidnapper, then at least there is evidence, because we have it, that you were the one who provided the information. So, this is a way for you to get that money, if this really is legitimate.”

Nancy was reported missing on February 1 after she failed to attend morning mass at her local church. She was last seen the previous evening when her daughter Annie drove her home after dinner.

The Guthrie family have been ruled out as suspects in the investigation, according to Chris Nanos, Sheriff of Pima County Sheriff’s Department.