Elizabeth Smart kidnapper Wanda Barzee charged with violating sex offender terms

May 9, 2025, 3:12 PM | Updated: 6:16 pm

Wanda Barzee appears in court for a sentencing hearing in 2010. Barzee, who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart in 2002, was recently arrested after she said she was commanded to visit Salt Lake parks, violating the terms of her sex offender status. (Al Hartmann)

(Al Hartmann)

BY SAM HERRERA

Former Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — Wanda Barzee, one of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnappers, was charged Friday with two counts of entering a protected area as a sex offender.

Barzee was arrested on April 9 for allegedly visiting Liberty Park and Sugar House Park.

As a sex offender, Barzee is restricted from entering those parks.

Smart recently addressed the arrest in an Instagram video.

“I feel like I’ve been vocal about my concerns since Barzee’s initial release. And this incident confirms exactly why,” Smart said.

This story may be updated.

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Elizabeth Smart kidnapper Wanda Barzee charged with violating sex offender terms

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