Wanda Barzee Waives Preliminary Hearing
The convicted sex offender waived her right to a court hearing as defense lawyers negotiate a potential plea settlement.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Wanda Eileen Barzee, a registered sex offender, waived her right to a preliminary hearing in Salt Lake City on October 22, 2026. The 80-year-old faces two class A misdemeanor counts for allegedly entering prohibited park areas.
Why it matters
The waiver follows legal advice from counsel who indicated that a settlement is likely in the ongoing case. Barzee remains a registered offender following a 2002 kidnapping conviction.
Barzee is currently charged with two class A misdemeanors for visiting Liberty Park and Sugar House Park. The next court hearing is set for January 15, 2027.
The players
Wanda Eileen Barzee
She is a convicted sex offender who was previously incarcerated for the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart.
Elizabeth Smart
She is a known victim of kidnapping whose abduction in 2002 led to the criminal conviction of Wanda Eileen Barzee.
The details
Barzee was released from Utah State Prison on September 19, 2018, following her conviction for the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart. In court, she affirmed to the judge that she understood the process of waiving her preliminary hearing.
Timeline
2002: Barzee kidnapped Elizabeth Smart.
September 19, 2018: Barzee was released from prison.
October 22, 2026: Barzee waived her preliminary hearing.
January 15, 2027: Next court hearing is scheduled.
Legal Context
This case follows established Utah sex offender registry restrictions that prohibit offenders from entering sensitive locations such as city parks. Prosecutors continue to track violations of these legal parameters as part of broader efforts to monitor high-risk offenders in the community.
The charges involve violations related to proximity to parks, which directly concerns the enforcement of public safety measures in popular recreational spaces. Residents can expect continued legal oversight regarding the placement and monitoring of registered offenders in local neighborhoods.
The takeaway
The court's acceptance of the waiver keeps the case on track for a potential resolution through a negotiated settlement. Defendants in similar registry cases often utilize these procedural steps when legal counsel determines that a plea agreement is the most viable path forward.
What happens next
A court hearing for the defendant is scheduled to take place on January 15, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings involving local offenders, visit the Salt Lake City Sex Crimes section.
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