



The woman who helped kidnap Elizabeth Smart in 2002 has been released from prison.

A spokesperson for the Utah Department of Corrections tells Us Weekly that Wanda Barzee was freed from Utah State Prison around 7:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday, September 19. The Associated Press notes that reporters waiting outside the facility did not immediately see the 72-year-old leave, but the spokesperson confirms to Us that Barzee “is no longer on the premises.”

Smart, 30, took to Instagram just a few minutes after the news broke. “Without doubt the past few weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotion, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their kind words, support and concern. It has meant so much to me,” she wrote. “May we all remain vigilant in watching over our families, friends and community from anyone who would seek to hurt or take advantage. I truly believe life is meant to be happy and beautiful, and no matter what happens that will remain my goal for me and for my family.”

Barzee’s release came one week after the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole made a surprising announcement that it had miscalculated the amount of time she should serve behind bars. The board initially declined to include Barzee’s eight years in federal custody as time served on state charges, but then reversed the ruling on September 11 “upon further review and advice from legal counsel.”

The kidnapper, who was originally scheduled to be released in 2024, will be under federal supervision for five years.

Barzee pleaded guilty in 2009 to helping her husband, Brian David Mitchell, kidnap a then-14-year-old Smart from her family’s home in Salt Lake City, Utah. The couple held the girl captive for nine months until she was rescued by authorities in 2003. Mitchell, now 64, was sentenced to life in prison in 2011.

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For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews – Subscribe on Youtube!</s>OROVILLE — Steven K. Bordin has been hired as chief probation officer in Butte County, following the retirement last year of John Wardell.

Bordin has served as chief probation officer in Colusa County for the past 10 years, and was a probation officer and supervising probation officer in Butte County prior to that.

He has resided in Butte County for the past 17 years, and is an active volunteer with the Chico Boys and Girls Club. Bordin earned a degree from Chico State University in 1998.</s>OROVILLE — A Paradise man was given probation Thursday for threatening his ex-girlfriend.

Butte County Superior Court Judge Kristen Lucena sentenced Kyle Allen Vandegrift to three years probation for one felony count of making criminal threats.

He had faced up to three years in state prison for the offense.

When Vandegrift changed his plea in October, the prosecution told the court Vandegrift had posted several threats to his ex-girlfriend via the social networking website Facebook.

Vandegrift had also allegedly threatened to come down and confront people at the woman”s house in Chico.

On Thursday, defense attorney Rochelle Forbis asked Lucena to give Vandegrift one chance on probation.

She said the defendant deeply regretted his involvement in the situation and that he would benefit from the batterers” treatment program if given probation.

Lucena said she was placing a lot of weight in the probation report and was troubled by Vandegrift”s probation interview.

While the defendant had appeared forthright in court, the judge said Vandegrift didn”t appear to take full responsibility during the interview.

Vandegrift told the judge Thursday he did take full responsibility for what happened and acknowledged it was his fault.

Lucena noted the inconsistency may not bode well for Vandegrift”s performance in batterers” treatment, but gave the defendant an opportunity on probation.

“You”re going to need to really look deep inside and make the changes that are necessary,” she said.

Terms of probation included 120 days in jail, but Vandegrift was given credit for time served.

He must also serve 150 hours of community service and participate in batterers” treatment.

Vandegrift must also pay restitution to the victim and refrain from contacting her.</s>OROVILLE — A 20-year-old Paradise man was placed on probation for three years for having sex with two minor girls.

Tuesday, Butte County Superior Court Judge Clare Keithley put Jordan Tymothy Aders on probation for one felony and one misdemeanor count of unlawful sexual intercourse with two minors more than three years younger than the defendant.

As part of probation, Aders must serve 280 days in Butte County Jail and is credited for already serving five days. He must report to the jail this morning.

The defendant was initially arrested Feb. 17. Aders was arrested again May 12 after the Butte County Sheriff”s Office completed its investigation into reports he allegedly had sex with a 13-year-old girl.

According to a prosecutor, Aders allegedly told investigators that he had been having sex with a 16-year-old girl because he thought 16 was the consensual age.

In July, Aders pleaded no contest to the two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse. A second felony unlawful sexual intercourse count and a felony lewd act upon a child count were dismissed.

His sentencing was postponed through the fall until he failed to appear for a hearing Dec. 20. The court issued a warrant for his arrest until Aders appeared out of custody Tuesday.

During the sentencing, Keithley noted the Probation Department had recommended prison, but indicated she was favoring probation after she had asked for the department to provide possible terms.

Deputy district attorney Jennifer Dupre-Tokos urged the court to follow probation”s recommendation. She said Aders targeted both girls when they were 13 and he hasn”t accepted any responsibility for his actions. He was also on probation from a Utah case at the time of the offense.

“This is not someone who should be out mixing with the public at this time,” Dupre-Tokos said.

She added that the defendant showed a lack of insight for his actions, and violated a court order prohibiting from contacting young females.

Defense attorney Mark Stapleton asserted probation was the right sentence. He said the terms were severe and Aders faces serious repercussions if he violates the court”s orders.

Keithley said Aders” offenses were greatly concerning, especially due to the ages of the victims. However, she said the law calls for the court to consider probation if the defendant is eligible.

In addition to the victims” ages, the judge said she considered Aders” age and his lack of a serious criminal record.

Keithley granted probation, but noted the case was a serious matter and the terms of probation would be strict.

In addition to the additional jail time, the defendant must pay restitution to the victims, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and be available for police searches. Aders must also participate in therapy programs and refrain from contacting any minors.

The defendant must also register as a sex offender with police for the rest of his life. However, due to the nature of Aders” offense, his registration is apparently not required to be publicly searchable on the state”s Megan”s Law website.

Staff writer Ryan Olson can be reached at 896-7763 or rolson@chicoer.com.</s>OROVILLE — A Sacramento man has been given probation for vandalizing several county vehicles following his release from Butte County Jail.

On Tuesday, Butte County Superior Court Judge Steven Howell said three years of probation was appropriate for Ryan Angelo Schomberg, who pleaded no contest to felony counts of second-degree burglary and vandalism. Schomberg also pleaded to misdemeanor resisting an officer in a related case.

Schomberg was initially arrested for resisting arrest following numerous contacts with Chico police on Oct. 31.

Released from jail the following day, the defendant went to the nearby Butte County corporation yard and smashed windows on 12 vehicles. Oroville police found him hiding in the bed of a county truck behind the Butte County Agricultural Building, which is close to the yard. At the time, Oroville police said Schomberg told officers he was involved with the “Occupy” movement, including participating in activities in Chico. Officers said he reportedly said he vandalized the vehicles as part of his political beliefs.

As part of the probation sentence, Howell indicated he may be willing to reduce the charges to misdemeanors and modify probation after 18 months.

He said Schomberg would have to meet certain conditions — including paying full restitution and meeting all terms of probation.

Supervising deputy district attorney Kelly Maloy didn”t object to probation, noting Schomberg”s activities were apparently due to a psychotic episode and the fact he wasn”t taking his medicine.

She asked that the defendant fully repay Butte County Public Works the $13,420 in damages before his probation is modified.

Defense attorney Kevin Sears said the probation report was fair. He asked that the conditions of probation allow Schomberg to seek treatment at UC Davis behavioral health.

Howell amended the conditions to allow the defendant to receive treatment at UC Davis and Butte County Behavioral Health.

Staff writer Ryan Olson can be reached at 896-7763 or rolson@chicoer.com.</s>DRAPER, Utah — Wanda Barzee, convicted for helping Brian David Mitchell kidnap Elizabeth Smart in Salt Lake City in 2002, has been released from the Utah State Prison.

The Utah Department of Corrections confirmed just after 8 a.m. Wednesday that Barzee has been released but did not provide any further details.

Earlier in the week officials said it was a possible Barzee would be bused off the property and then released, due to security concerns.

While Barzee has served her time and was not released early, she is still getting out several years earlier than many people expected.

Earlier this year, the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole said her sentence would end in 2024 with a parole hearing in 2023. However, the board later determined they would be required to give Barzee credit for time served in the federal system.

“On September 19, Ms. Barzee will have spent 15 years in custody, which is the maximum amount of time allowed by her state conviction and sentence,” Greg Johnson of the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole wrote. “Ms. Barzee can not legally be held in the Utah State prison beyond the length of her sentence.”

Smart released a statement in the days after the announcement was made, and she made lengthier remarks in a press conference last week.

“I do believe she is a threat, she is a woman who had six children and yet could co-conspire to kidnap a 14-year-old girl, and not only sit next to her while being raped, but encourage her husband to continue to rape me,” Smart said. “So, do I believe that she is dangerous? Yes, but not just to me. I believe that she is a danger and a threat to any vulnerable person in our community, which is why our community should be worried.”

Under the conditions of her release, Barzee will be under federal supervision for a period of five years and is required to abide by the terms of the Sex Offender registry.

Mitchell was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping Smart.</s>Wanda Barzee spent more than 15 years behind bars</s>Our view: When a man gets probation for his role in a homicide, the prosecution is taking a big risk on a questionable character.

A man facing murder charges in the asphyxiation death of a 50-year-old Paradise man will walk free because he agreed to testify against two other defendants. We sincerely hope the plea-bargain arrangement doesn”t come back to haunt the Butte County District Attorney”s office.

Seeing someone sentenced to probation for a homicide is jarring. Butte County Superior Court Judge Steven Howell, the prosecutor and the defense attorney all agreed they couldn”t recall a case where a murder defendant was given probation after pleading guilty.

But the defendant, Darrell Leigh Hughes, saw the murder charge dropped in the plea bargain if he agreed to cooperate in the trial of co-defendants William Kurt Breunle and Christopher Philip Levin. Prosecutors said the three were members of a motorcycle gang who went to rob Eric Jones, who was growing medical marijuana, in December 2008. Jones was tied up and gagged, then stopped breathing.

In exchange for Hughes” testimony against the other two, the murder charge was dropped and he pleaded guilty to kidnapping, witness intimidation and assault with a deadly weapon. He was given the usual admonition that if he violates probation he could be sent to prison, and if he commits a felony he could be sentenced to a life term in prison.

Will that be enough to keep Hughes out of trouble? It”s impossible to say. He”s a middle-aged man who was in a motorcycle gang, taking part in a robbery apparently intended to steal marijuana and a safe. It”s not as if he”s suddenly going to see the light. Instead, he”ll get a spot in the taxpayer-funded witness protection program, which to us sounds like too good a fate for a man who had a role in a murder. All three should be going to prison, not just two.

Perhaps Breunle and Levin were ringleaders and Hughes” involvement was minimal. That will come out at the trial when Hughes testifies. But we think there should be something more than probation and a new identity for a person involved in a robbery and homicide.</s>OROVILLE — A former Chico State University employee was given probation this week after pleading guilty to an August 2010 stalking incident.

On Wednesday, Butte County Superior Court Judge Steven Howell placed Troy Damon Berry on formal probation for four years. Berry had pleaded guilty on Dec. 8 to felony stalking and no contest to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence with a prior.

The defendant was also reinstated on probation for a Dec. 4, 2009, DUI. During that incident, Berry was involved in a minor collision at Highway 32 at El Monte Avenue before leading police on a 40-mile pursuit up Highway 32 to Tehama County.

Berry had been an adviser at Chico State, but he is no longer employed there.

In the current case, Berry repeatedly went to the house of former girlfriend, where he reportedly had permission to tend a vegetable garden.

On Aug. 28, 2010, Berry called and left a message saying he was coming to the house. The victim hid in a crawlspace and called 9-1-1. Berry entered the house through a window. He found the woman and grabbed the phone while she was still talking with police.

Prior to the judge”s ruling, deputy district attorney Jennifer Dupre-Tokos asked that Berry be required to participate in a residential treatment program instead of an outpatient program.

She said Berry claims to not have an alcohol problem at this time, and that he is attending church and other programs. Dupre-Tokos said Berry had been going to church for at least two years, but he still was involved in incidents involving alcohol.

The prosecutor also asked the court to impose a suspended prison sentence to indicate the seriousness of the case.

“He has not had great success following up on promises to the court in the past,” she said.

Defense attorney Kevin Sears disagreed with the prosecutor”s arguments. He said Berry had been drinking to cover up problems and the defendant now realizes it was making problems worse.

“I think he has been doing a good job remaining sober,” Sears said.

Sears said Berry is currently unemployed and doesn”t have the means for residential treatment. He said Berry could continue with counseling and a 12-step program with a sponsor.

Howell ultimately declined the request for a residential treatment program, but he had earlier stressed the importance of the mental health component of probation.

Terms of probation included 158 days in jail, which Berry already served. The defendant must refrain from drugs and alcohol and stay away from bars or liquor stores. He must also participate in DUI school, and batterers” treatment and behavioral health programs.

The judge also kept a restraining order in place for 10 years. Addresses include the house where the incident took place and the Chico State campus, where other alleged incidents took place.

Staff writer Ryan Olson can be reached at 896-7763 or rolson@chicoer.com.</s>SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California doctors will soon have to tell patients if they are on probation for sexual misconduct or other wrongdoing under a new law.

Patients can already find information online about which doctors are on probation if they know where to look. But the new law will force doctors to tell patients their probation status and basic details of the terms of their probation.

It will apply to doctors placed on probation after July 1, 2019, for wrongdoing causing patient harm, including sexual misconduct, drug abuse, criminal convictions and inappropriate prescribing.

"It's never made sense that doctors have had to tell their insurance companies, hospitals and clinics when they are put on probation, but not the people who are most at risk — their patients," Consumer Attorneys of California President Lee Harris said in a statement. "Californians have a right to know if their doctor is on probation for serious misconduct."

Olympians including gymnast Jordyn Wieber campaigned for the bill in the wake of the sentencing of former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.

Nassar has admitted to sexually abusing women and girls under the guise of medical treatment. The former sports doctor — who worked for Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, the organization responsible for training Olympians — has been sentenced to decades in prison.

Previous versions of the bill failed in the Legislature the past two years. The measure's author, Democratic state Sen. Jerry Hill of San Mateo, credited the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment with helping his bill gain traction this year. Hill and other supporters say the law will help protect women from being abused by doctors.

Some doctors groups opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair and overly burdensome on doctors' time.
After serving fifteen years behind bars for her role in the kidnapping, Wanda Barzee, is released on probation from Utah State Prison. She will be on probation for five years. [1]