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Wanda Barzee, who was convicted for her role in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, was arrested in Salt Lake City for violating her status as a registered sex offender. Barzee, 79, was taken into custody on Thursday (May 1) after allegedly visiting Liberty Park and Sugar House Park in April, which is prohibited under Utah law for registered sex offenders. Barzee was booked on one count of violating the Sex Offender Registry requirements.
Barzee told police she went to the park to feed ducks, claiming she was "commanded to by the Lord." She was released from Salt Lake County Jail shortly after her arrest, though it is unclear if she was released on bail or through judicial orders.
Barzee was convicted alongside her husband, Brian David Mitchell, for the 2002 kidnapping and assault of then 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart. Barzee served 15 years in prison before her release in 2018. At the time, Smart opposed her release, citing Barzee as a danger. Under Utah law, registered sex offenders are prohibited from entering areas where children congregate, such as parks and schools. Violating this law is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Barzee was on probation for five years following her release and was required to participate in a mental health program.