Derrick Callella of Hawthorne, California, pleaded guilty on July 2 to two counts of harassment using a telecommunication device. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona confirmed that the 42-year-old admitted to calling and texting the family on February 4 regarding bitcoin demands.
Callella acknowledged that he was fully aware of prior ransom demands when he contacted the family. Investigators stated his actions were intentionally designed to harass the grieving relatives while they sought critical information about the disappearance.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Callella faces a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison, a substantial fine of up to $250,000, or both penalties combined. He will also be subjected to a strict one-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.