Wanda Barzee, who was convicted for her role in the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, was arrested May 1 for allegedly violating the terms of her parole by visiting public parks.
Police took Barzee, 79, into custody after an investigation determined she had visited two parks in Salt Lake City. As a registered sex offender, Barzee is prohibited from entering public parks under restrictions placed upon her release.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Salt Lake City District Court, Barzee allegedly told officers from the Salt Lake City Police Department that she visited Liberty Park on April 9 because "she was commanded to by the Lord."
The affidavit states Barzee also said she was "commanded" to visit Sugarhouse Park and that she sat on benches and fed ducks during these visits.
Utah law bans registered sex offenders who committed offenses against minors from areas considered "protected," which includes public parks. The probable cause affidavit noted Barzee's conviction involved kidnapping a person under age 18. A judge reviewed the affidavit and authorized her arrest without a warrant.
Barzee was released from police custody later on May 1 following a court order. Her case is not yet listed on the court docket, and future hearing dates are unclear.
Barzee and her husband, Brian David Mitchell, held Elizabeth Smart captive for nine months after abducting the 14-year-old from her Salt Lake City bedroom. Smart was rescued on March 12, 2003.
Barzee pleaded guilty to kidnapping and unwarranted transportation of a minor in 2009 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2010. She was released in 2018 after serving 15 years.
Mitchell is serving a life sentence for interstate kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor. Elizabeth Smart testified in 2009 during Mitchell's trial about the abuse she endured during her captivity.
Brent Weisberg, a spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department, stated detectives developed information through an investigation that led to Barzee's arrest. This is her first alleged violation as a sex offender.
Violating conditions as a sex offender is charged as a class A misdemeanor for a first offense in Utah. A conviction carries a possible sentence of up to 364 days in jail. Subsequent violations could lead to felony charges.