Wanda Barzee Arrested for Violating Sex Offender Restrictions

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Wanda Barzee, 79, was arrested on May 1 for allegedly violating her sex offender restrictions by visiting public parks in Salt Lake City. Barzee, known for her role in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, was taken into custody by Salt Lake City Police.

Barzee was booked into Salt Lake County Metro Jail for one count of violating Utah’s law that prohibits registered sex offenders from entering protected areas, which include public parks. Brent Weisberg, a spokesperson for the Salt Lake City police, stated that detectives found evidence indicating Barzee had visited at least two parks — Liberty Park and Sugar House Park — against state law.

Barzee was later released from jail on judicial orders, according to court records. She is no stranger to the law, having been involved in the high-profile kidnapping case of Elizabeth Smart in 2002, where she and her then-husband, Brian David Mitchell, held Smart captive for nearly nine months.

The couple was arrested in 2003, and a judge determined Barzee’s mental competence in subsequent court cases. In 2009, she pleaded guilty to kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor and served a 15-year sentence.

According to a police booking affidavit, Barzee admitted to visiting Liberty Park, stating it was because she was “commanded to by the Lord”. She also claimed to have visited Sugar House Park for the same reason, mentioning she went to sit on benches and feed ducks.

Smart has previously expressed her concerns regarding Barzee’s release, stating that she viewed Barzee as equally responsible for the abuse she suffered. Smart has called Barzee a danger to vulnerable individuals in the community and emphasized her significant involvement in the kidnapping and assault.

As the investigation continues, the Salt Lake City Police Department plans to monitor the situation closely in coordination with other agencies. Weisberg confirmed that maintaining public safety remains their priority as the case progresses.