Wanda Barzee, one of the infamous kidnappers involved in the 2002 abduction of Elizabeth Smart, is back in legal trouble — this time for allegedly violating the terms of her supervised release as a registered sex offender.
According to Salt Lake City Police, Barzee was arrested on Thursday after detectives found that she had visited at least two public parks, which is strictly prohibited under Utah’s sex offender laws.
Barzee Accused of Visiting Protected Areas
Authorities say the 78-year-old was spotted at Liberty Park and Sugar House Park, both of which are designated protected areas under Utah state law. Registered sex offenders are barred from entering such locations.
Following the discovery, Barzee was taken into custody and booked into Salt Lake County Metro Jail on one count of violating Utah’s sex offender restrictions.
A Dark Past Resurfaces
Barzee made national headlines for her role in the horrific kidnapping of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart in 2002. Alongside her husband, Brian David Mitchell, she held Smart captive for nine months. Elizabeth has since spoken out about how Barzee watched silently while Mitchell repeatedly raped her during her captivity.
Barzee pleaded guilty and served over 15 years in prison before being released in September 2018. Mitchell, the primary abductor, is currently serving a life sentence in Arizona.
Briefly Behind Bars Again
Although Barzee was re-arrested, she has since been released on judicial orders, police say. It’s not yet clear if further action will be taken regarding her recent parole violation.
Bottom line: Nearly two decades after her role in one of America’s most shocking child abductions, Wanda Barzee is once again facing legal consequences — this time for failing to follow strict post-release restrictions meant to protect the public.
