Wanda Barzee, Elizabeth Smart’s Kidnapper, Arrested for Alleged Sex Offender Violation

Wanda Barzee, one of the individuals convicted in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart nearly two decades ago, has been arrested again for allegedly violating sex offender restrictions in Utah. Barzee, now 79 years old, was taken into custody on May 1st after she reportedly visited at least two public parks in Salt Lake City, areas she is prohibited from entering due to her status as a registered sex offender.

According to Utah law, individuals convicted of sex offenses are required to register with the state and update their information twice a year, once on their birthday and again six months later. Furthermore, these individuals are restricted from entering certain "protected areas" where children are likely to be present, including public parks, schools, and playgrounds.

Barzee’s recent arrest stems from allegations that she violated these restrictions by visiting Liberty Park and Sugar House Park. When confronted about her actions, Barzee reportedly claimed that she was "commanded to by the Lord" to visit Liberty Park, where she enjoyed sitting on benches and feeding ducks. She also admitted that God had "commended" her to go to Sugar House Park as well.

Following her arrest, Barzee is now required to do weekly check-ins with authorities. The circumstances surrounding her alleged violations and her justifications have reignited public interest in the case, particularly given the notoriety of the original kidnapping.

In 2002, Barzee, along with her husband Brian David Mitchell, abducted then-14-year-old Elizabeth Smart at knifepoint. Smart was held captive for nine months, during which she was subjected to horrific abuse. Mitchell forced Smart into a polygamous "marriage" and reportedly raped her almost daily.

Smart’s ordeal came to an end when a couple recognized her while she was walking through Sandy, a suburb of Salt Lake City, with Barzee and Mitchell. The recognition was attributed to an episode of "America’s Most Wanted" that had aired about Smart’s abduction. Initially, out of fear, Smart denied her identity when questioned by police, but she eventually admitted that she was the missing teen. Barzee and Mitchell were then arrested.

The case garnered national attention and sparked widespread outrage. The details of Smart’s captivity and the abuse she endured shocked the nation. During the subsequent legal proceedings, Barzee cooperated with the FBI and the state of Utah, providing information that helped to convict Mitchell. In exchange for her cooperation, Barzee was sentenced to 15 years in prison for aggravated kidnapping. Mitchell, on the other hand, was sentenced to life in prison.

Elizabeth Smart later testified about the horrific conditions of her captivity, revealing that she was drugged, tied to a tree, and raped as often as four times a day. Mitchell threatened to murder her family if she dared to cry for help. Despite the trauma she endured, Smart maintained hope that she would one day be found and rescued.

Barzee was released from prison in 2018 and placed under five years of federal supervision, in addition to being registered as a sex offender. She was also ordered not to contact Smart’s family. Utah law prohibits sex offenders from being within 1,000 feet of a victim’s residence if a victim-requested restriction is in place.

Since her rescue, Elizabeth Smart has become a child safety activist, regularly speaking on behalf of missing and exploited children. She has partnered with "America’s Most Wanted" to serve as a guest speaker for an episode of "America’s Most Wanted: Missing Persons."

Smart is now a married mother of three, and her story serves as an inspiration to many. She has dedicated her life to helping other victims of abuse and advocating for the safety of children. She has spoken extensively about the importance of empowering children to protect themselves from predators, emphasizing the need for them to feel comfortable speaking up and seeking help.

In the wake of Barzee’s recent arrest, Elizabeth Smart has not made any direct public statements. However, her past comments about the importance of holding offenders accountable and protecting children remain relevant.

Barzee’s arrest has once again brought the Smart case back into the spotlight, reminding the public of the horrific crime and the ongoing need to protect vulnerable individuals. The case also highlights the complexities of sex offender registration and the challenges of monitoring and supervising individuals who have committed such offenses. The balance between rehabilitation, public safety, and individual freedoms continues to be a subject of debate and scrutiny in the context of sex offender laws.