Harvey Levin of TMZ issues public ultimatum to potential witness in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case

LOS ANGELES, CA: Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, issued a public appeal on Monday, February 16, after his outlet received a fourth letter from an individual claiming to have seen missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie “south of the border” five days earlier. Levin said the writer alleges Guthrie was in Mexico with a group of individuals and is seeking a $100,000 reward for information leading to her recovery.

Levin said the letters reference a “main person” purportedly involved in the abduction, along with several others. While emphasizing that the claims remain unverified, he said the repeated correspondence prompted the outlet to coordinate with federal authorities.

Potential witness fears legal repercussions

The individual behind the letters reportedly expressed hesitation about contacting law enforcement directly due to a prior burglary conviction from a decade ago. In the latest message, they expressed concerns that their criminal record could jeopardize their ability to claim the reward or safely cooperate with investigators.

Levin addressed these concerns publicly, suggesting that TMZ serve as an intermediary to document and forward any information to the authorities. He stated that this approach would create a record showing that the tipster provided the lead, should it prove to be credible.

“If you really do have this information, send it to us,” Levin said, adding that the goal is to ensure the information reaches federal agents without delay.

FBI warns against fraudulent claims

Levin also warned that providing false information in a federal kidnapping investigation carries serious consequences. He confirmed he has consulted with the FBI regarding the letters and the outlet’s public appeal.

According to Levin, federal authorities emphasized that fabricating claims for financial gain in an active investigation constitutes a federal crime. “If you are not real, you’re committing a crime,” Levin stated during the broadcast.

Levin added that the FBI has received more than 13,000 tips since the search began, and that agents are working to distinguish credible leads from online speculation.

Letters describe multi-person abduction plot

The fourth letter outlines what the writer describes as a coordinated abduction involving multiple individuals. The person claims they were “told to shut up” after seeing Guthrie and those allegedly with her in Mexico. Levin noted that this is the second time the writer has referenced more than one person being involved.

If corroborated, the account could be consistent with earlier investigative findings at Guthrie’s home, where authorities reportedly discovered DNA that did not match the victim or her immediate circle. Investigators are also reviewing doorbell footage from February 1 that appears to show a masked intruder at the property. 

Media intermediary for federal evidence

Levin said TMZ will continue forwarding all correspondence related to the case directly to the FBI. By serving as a conduit, he said the outlet aims to facilitate the safe recovery of Nancy Guthrie while addressing the tipster’s concerns about approaching authorities.

“Send us the information. We will pass it on to the FBI,” Levin reiterated.

As the investigation enters its third week, officials remain focused on verifying the reported Mexico sighting and determining whether the latest letter provides actionable evidence in the ongoing search.