TUCSON, Ariz. — The FBI’s recent decision to boost the reward for clues about Nancy Guthrie’s location has sparked discussion among former FBI officials. They suggest this move signals both a strategic approach and progress in the investigation, which has now been ongoing for nearly two weeks.
Scott Duffey, a retired Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI, shared with Fox News Digital that the increased reward might be aimed at reaching individuals close to those involved in the case.
“I think this is an opportune moment to raise the reward,” Duffey stated. “My assumption is the FBI set a high reward initially to catch the attention of a family member, friend, or associate of those responsible. Typically, the public is willing to assist regardless of a reward.”
Reflecting on his experience handling fugitive cases with modest rewards—ranging from $2,500 to $5,000—Duffey noted that some of the most useful information often came from insiders.
Individuals were seen walking their dogs past Nancy Guthrie’s residence shortly after the FBI released surveillance footage on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz. (Ty ONeil/AP Photo)
“In my experience dealing with crimes offering lower rewards, tips typically came from acquaintances or family members. This was especially true in fugitive cases,” he explained.
He noted that the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted list carries million-dollar rewards for the same reason.
“You are seeking ‘inside’ information,” Duffey said.
While leads in the Guthrie case appear steady, Duffey cautioned they may not be meaningful.
“Leads are steady, but probably bogus leads or leads that are considered little value,” he said.
He also emphasized that reward money alone does not solve cases, pointing to a Brown University case that was ultimately resolved because someone “just did the right thing,” not because of reward money.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie. A poster was released by the agency on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (FBI)
Former FBI agent Nicole Parker said increasing the reward is fundamentally about motivating stronger tips.
“So people are more inclined to give more information because if they get more money, then it might be worth it for them,” Parker said. “They’re hoping to generate more quality, credible tips that might lead to the arrest and the location of Nancy Guthrie. And that’s all it comes down to.”
Parker also suggested the move may counter outside attempts to monetize information — referencing a person who allegedly sought Bitcoin in exchange for details.
Former FBI supervisory special agent Joe Cardinale described the increase not as desperation, but as a natural escalation.
“It’s just a progression of events,” Cardinale said. “You’re now into day 13, almost two weeks into this investigation. We still do not have Nancy Guthrie back.”
Cardinale said increasing the reward may prompt people to re-check security footage and reconsider small details.
“Increasing it just makes people want to go out there, look at their cameras more, do what they have to do and say, ‘Listen, I’m going to check my cameras. I’m going to see what happens.’”
He also addressed speculation surrounding the Bitcoin demand.
“If I have information, this is how this works,” Cardinale explained. “You contact the FBI. They keep it quiet. If your information leads to the arrest of that person, you’re assigned a number, and you get that money.”
He noted that legitimate reward procedures prevent extortion attempts.
“If someone is demanding Bitcoin upfront and doesn’t have information, they can be arrested for extortion,” he said.
Cardinale also pointed to investigative developments on the ground.
FBI agents canvass homes near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night as an investigation into her disappearance continues. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
“They’re extending the perimeter of their search,” he said, suggesting investigators may be working to eliminate the possibility that another individual seen near a vehicle, possibly carrying two backpacks, is connected.
If that person was located miles away from the original scene, Cardinale said investigators would need to rule it out.
“They should be using dogs, drones, helicopters if they have to, and do grid searches,” he said. “This time they’ll be looking for evidence along the way as well.”
Cardinale also noted investigators appear to be carefully protecting forensic details, including measurements and physical comparisons gathered from surveillance footage.
“They don’t want anybody knowing what they’re zeroing in on,” he said.
Nancy Guthrie disappearance timeline:
January 31, 2026
Between 9:30–9:45 p.m. – Family drops Nancy off at home
9:50 p.m. – Garage door closes (per authorities)
February 1, 2026
1:47 a.m. – Doorbell camera disconnects
2:12 a.m. – Security camera detects motion
2:28 a.m. – Pacemaker disconnects from phone application
11:56 a.m. – Family checks on Nancy after she misses weekly church livestream gathering
12:03 p.m. — 911 called
12:15 p.m. — sheriff’s deputies arrive at home
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
