Wanda Barzee, known for her involvement in the abduction of Elizabeth Smart over two decades ago, was recently detained for allegedly breaching sex offender rules. Authorities took her into custody at her residence in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday. Reports indicate that she allegedly visited two parks, an action forbidden for someone registered as a sex offender.
Barzee reportedly claimed during her arrest that “the Lord” instructed her to visit Liberty Park, where she enjoyed “sitting on benches and feeding ducks,” as reported by Fox 13 Salt Lake City. Additionally, she acknowledged that God had directed her to Sugar House Park.
Under Utah law, sex offenders are forbidden from entering certain “protected areas,” which include public parks.
Despite the accusations, Barzee’s lawyer, Scott Williams, expressed to KUTV his firm belief that Barzee was not aware she was in violation of her sex offender restrictions. When questioned about whether Barzee poses a risk to others, Williams assuredly responded, “absolutely not.”
Stephanie Nolasco, Louis Casiano and Katherine Lam contributed to this report.
