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Flick International Mugshot of Wanda Barzee, convicted kidnapper, smiling in sexual offender registry photo

Elizabeth Smart’s Kidnapper Seen Smiling in New Mugshot Amid Violation of Sex Offender Terms

Wanda Barzee, a convicted kidnapper of Elizabeth Smart, recently appeared in a new mugshot on the Utah Sex Offender Registry, displaying a wide smile.

In Utah, registered sex offenders must fulfill a requirement to register biannually, specifically on their birthdays and six months thereafter, as mandated by state law.

Barzee, now 79 years old, was arrested on May 1 for allegedly breaching the restrictions placed on her as a sex offender. This incident occurred nearly two decades after her conviction for holding Smart captive for nine months.

Reports indicate that she was detained at her residence in Salt Lake City after visiting at least two public parks, locations from which she is prohibited due to her registered sex offender status.

Legal Restrictions for Sex Offenders in Utah

Under Utah’s legal framework, sex offenders are banned from entering specified “protected areas” typically frequented by children, including parks, schools, and playgrounds.

During her arrest, Barzee claimed that she was instructed by the Lord to visit Liberty Park, expressing her fondness for sitting on benches and feeding ducks there. Additionally, she stated that God had directed her to Sugar House Park as well, according to local news reports from Fox 13 Salt Lake City.

Following her arrest, Barzee is now mandated to conduct weekly check-ins as part of her registration process, which she must adhere to due to her conviction.

The Abduction of Elizabeth Smart

In 2002, Barzee and her then-husband, Brian David Mitchell, kidnapped then-14-year-old Elizabeth Smart at knifepoint, holding her captive for an extended period. Mitchell imposed a polygamous