Elizabeth Smart Kidnapper Wanda Barzee Arrested for Violating Sex Offender Terms, Police Said
Wanda Barzee is facing legal trouble again.
Over 20 years after the 79-year-old kidnapped then-14-year-old Elizabeth Smart in 2002 and held her captive for nine months, Barzee was arrested May 1 in Utah for visiting at least two parks, which she cannot do as a registered sex offender.
Barzee was booked on one count of violating her terms as a sex offender in Utah, according to online booking records viewed by E! News.
Brent Weisberg, a spokesperson for the Salt Lake City police, told NBC News that Barzee had allegedly visited Liberty Park and Sugar House Park last month. According to the Utah State Legislature, registered sex offenders cannot be in public parks, which are considered a “protected area."
According to online booking records viewed by E! News, Barzee was released from police custody May 2 on a court order. She had previously pleaded guilty to kidnapping and unwarranted transportation of a minor in 2009 for the kidnapping of Smart, according to a statement by the Federal Bureau of Investigations at the time. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2010, but was released in 2018.
“It will always be a reminder that miracles happen and that there are dreams that come true and that good things are abundant in this world,” Smart said in a TikTok video at the time, celebrating the anniversary of the day of her kidnapping. “It really is a reminder that life is good and that dreams really do come true and that we should never ever give up."
She added, “No matter where you are at, I hope you find happiness.”
Credit: E! News
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