Ashlee Buzzard, the mother of the missing California girl Melodee Buzzard, has been detained on charges of false imprisonment.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday that her arrest is separate from the investigation into Melodee’s disappearance.
According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, detectives discovered that Ashlee was involved in an incident where she allegedly prevented someone from leaving a location against their will, which constitutes false imprisonment.
“This offense is not linked to the search for Melodee,” the statement read, “but we’re unable to disclose further details as it might interfere with our ongoing investigation.”
Ashlee Buzzard has been taken to the Northern Branch Jail, with bail anticipated to be set at $100,000.
Previously, as reported by CrimeOnline, the sheriff’s office revealed that Ashlee Buzzard rented a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, bearing the California license plate 9MNG101, on October 7. She is believed to have traveled with potential stops in Kansas and Nebraska.
Security footage placed both Ashlee and Melodee at the car rental business while wearing wigs that same day.
Investigators said they believe that the wig was used to alter Melodee’s appearance. They also noted that Ashlee Buzzard is known to wear wigs.
On Thursday, the sheriff’s office said that that Ashlee Buzzard, at some point, put on a darker wig during the cross-county trip.
“This change in appearance is believed to have been intentional to avoid recognition during travel,” SBCSO said.
According to the sheriff’s office, Melodee was last seen on October 9, between the Colorado–Utah border, on a return route.
“Somewhere along that route is where we know Ashlee was no longer with Melodee,” Raquel Zick, Public Information Officer with SBCSO, said.
Police believe Ashlee Buzzard drove through the following locations before returning home to Lompoc without Melodee:
- Green River, Utah
- Panguitch, Utah
- Northwest Arizona
- Primm, Nevada
- Rancho Cucamonga, California
Authorities are now asking businesses and residents and in the aforementioned areas to look at surveillance footage from October 9 and 10.
Anyone with information regarding Melodee’s whereabouts is asked to call Santa Barbara County investigators at 805-681-4150. Anonymous calls can be made to the tip line at 805-681-4171. Contact the FBI at 800-225-5324.
Anonymous tipsters can also share information online to the sheriff’s office.
Read additional coverage on Melodee Buzzard
[Feature Photo: Santa Barbara County police]
