Wanda Barzee, known for her role in the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, was in court this Monday facing charges for violating her sex offender status. As reported by KUTV, the 79-year-old appeared before Judge Todd Olsen, coming to the forefront of legal scrutiny yet again, dressed in a pink blouse, as she sat in anticipation of her case being addressed.
The charges against Barzee include two misdemeanor counts of sex offender violation after she was found at Liberty Park. Documents indicate that Barzee visited the park to feed ducks, citing divine instruction as her reason, claiming "she was commanded to by the Lord." The violations extend to another park visit, in this instance, Sugarhouse Park, as noted by ABC4. Her actions since her release from a 15-year prison term in 2018 have stirred up concerns, especially considering the nature of her past offenses.
These developments have not been taken lightly by Elizabeth Smart and her family, who have previously voiced their apprehensions regarding Barzee's release. Elizabeth Smart, to assuage their concerns, finds her initial instincts validated by this incident. Meanwhile, Ed Smart, as per KSL NewsRadio, articulated the undercurrent of fear that still lingers, stating, "The issue is, can we keep the children safe?" Seeking measures to mitigate potential risks, the Smart family is advocating for Barzee to be outfitted with an ankle monitor should she remain unbowed by incarceration.
