A writer for TMZ, Harvey Levin, says he received and publicly shared an email in the Nancy Guthrie abduction investigation in which a sender claims to possess a short video and the names of two people involved. Levin told viewers he forwarded the message to the FBI. The sender reportedly offered photographs, addresses and a purportedly stashed phone that would contain the footage and identifying material. The claims remain unverified by law enforcement, and officials caution that tips to media that include payment demands can be misinformation or extortion attempts.
What the new email claims
According to Levin and reporting by TMZ, the sender said the alleged short video shows “the main guy” with Nancy Guthrie and provided two suspect names and other identifying details. TMZ said the email included photographs and referenced a Bitcoin account previously mentioned in earlier messages, which the outlet used in part to assess the email’s provenance.
The sender told TMZ the phone containing the material was “stashed in a secure location guaranteeing both the information it stores and the safety of the phone.” TMZ’s account of the email says the same person has made varying monetary demands over time — previously seeking sums up to $100,000 and most recently asking for one Bitcoin.
Verification in Nancy Guthrie abduction and law enforcement response
Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed that the alleged video, names or photographs described in the email are authentic. Levin said he forwarded the message to the FBI; the FBI did not immediately provide comment to media. Media outlets and investigators have repeatedly noted that agencies typically do not disclose the specifics of ongoing inquiries while they verify leads.
TMZ has said it used a bitcoin account referenced in earlier correspondence as one element of its internal authentication. Still, multiple sources close to the investigation told reporters that officials remain skeptical of some communications tied to the case and are treating them as unverified until corroborated by independent forensic or investigative work.
Ransom claims, Bitcoin and reward totals
Messages to media and law enforcement in the Guthrie matter have included different payment requests at different times. Reporting indicates earlier messages sought sums of up to $100,000. The most recent email to TMZ reportedly asked for one Bitcoin; on the day of reporting that single Bitcoin was roughly valued at about $60,000.
Separately, Savannah Guthrie has publicly offered more than $1 million for information leading to her mother’s return. Combined reward offers tied to the case total more than $1.2 million. Tucson’s Crime Stoppers affiliate, 88-Crime, is offering $102,500 for information that leads to an arrest.
Why this matters for the Nancy Guthrie abduction
The email matters because it contains concrete, testable claims — a purported video and named individuals — that could advance an investigation if independently verified. At the same time, messages that mix specific details with payment demands can be designed to mislead, generate publicity or extort money. Investigators must determine whether the material is genuine and whether the sender has credible access to evidentiary items.
For the Guthrie family and a closely watching public, each purported lead raises hope. Authorities warn, however, that engaging privately with tipsters who seek payment can encourage further false claims and complicate official lines of inquiry.
What comes next in the probe
Investigators will need to obtain and forensically examine any video, photographs or electronic devices the sender claims to possess. Verification typically involves geolocation checks, metadata and device forensics, interviews with potential witnesses, and cross-checking names and addresses against investigative records.
Media organizations that receive tips often forward them to law enforcement rather than acting as intermediaries in any transaction. The FBI is the primary federal contact for tips in this matter; local and state investigators also participate in evidence assessment and follow-up.
By the numbers
• Single Bitcoin requested by the sender (valued at about $60,000 on reporting day).
• Previously reported requested sums up to $100,000.
• Savannah Guthrie’s offer: more than $1 million.
• Combined reward total: more than $1.2 million.
• 88-Crime (Tucson’s Crime Stoppers): $102,500 reward.
How to submit a tip
Officials urge anyone with verifiable information to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anonymous tips can be provided to Tucson’s Crime Stoppers affiliate, 88-Crime, at 1-520-882-7463. Authorities advise against paying or negotiating with individuals who contact media or family members demanding money for leads.
Source attribution
This report is based on public statements by Harvey Levin and reporting from TMZ and Fox News. Fox News published reporting on the email and associated claims; TMZ’s Levin said he received and forwarded the message to the FBI. Neither law enforcement nor federal agencies have publicly confirmed the authenticity of the video or the identities cited in the email.
Reporting links: Fox News — Emailer in Nancy Guthrie case claims to possess video and TMZ. Harvey Levin of TMZ has discussed the email publicly and said he forwarded it to the FBI.
Contact tip lines: FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI; Tucson Crime Stoppers (88-Crime): 1-520-882-7463.
