Elizabeth Smart says kidnapper being released still a threat

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Elizabeth Smart says a woman who helped kidnap her when she 14 and stood by as she was sexually assaulted should be committed to a mental-health facility after she’s released from prison next week.

Smart said Thursday she was shocked to find out about Wanda Barzee’s impending prison release and she’s deeply concerned she remains a threat because she hasn’t been cooperating with treatment.

Barzee is expected to be freed Wednesday after 15 years in custody. Utah authorities said in a surprise announcement Tuesday they had miscalculated the amount of time the 72-year-old woman should serve.

Smart was abducted from her Salt Lake City bedroom at knifepoint in 2002 by street preacher Brian David Mitchell. Her kidnapping triggered waves of fear around the country.