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The mother of the missing California girl, Melodee Buzzard, has entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of felony false imprisonment, even as the search for her daughter continues.
In a report by FOX 11 Los Angeles, it was noted that a judge released Ashlee Buzzard from jail on Wednesday, under the condition that she wear a GPS monitor. Additional terms of her release include prohibitions against contacting the victim of the alleged false imprisonment and possessing any weapons.
The arrest occurred on November 7, following accusations from Buzzard’s friend, Tyler Brewer, who claimed she held him against his will using a box cutter as he attempted to leave her residence in Lompoc.
As previously covered by CrimeOnline, Tyler Brewer reported that Ashlee Buzzard began to behave erratically on November 6, during his visit to her home. She allegedly accused him of collaborating with law enforcement to return her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, who has been missing since the previous month, to her father’s relatives.
Melodee’s father tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident when she was just a baby. Her aunt mentioned on “Crime Stories” that the paternal side of Melodee’s family has not had any contact with her for several years.
Brewer, who identified himself as a “legal document assistant, process server, mandated reporter, and perceived officer of the court,” said he reached out to Buzzard to offer assistance in the search for her daughter.
According to ABC News, Brewer said he has known Buzzard since around 2014, but didn’t have a lot of contact with her until Melodee disappeared.
Brewer said Buzzard locked several locks on her door to prevent him from leaving.
“Ms. Buzzard became visibly distressed after sharing information she appeared to regret disclosing,” Brewer said in a statement.
“A box cutter was produced, and despite multiple requests to be allowed to exit the home, I was not immediately permitted to leave.”
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office previously said the arrest is not connected to Melodee’s disappearance but declined to provide additional information.
The prosecution called Buzzard a flight risk and unsuccessfully pushed for her to remain behind bars. They pointed out that she used wigs for disguise and switched license plates on a rental car to avoid detection.
The judge said that the current case is separate from her missing daughter’s case. Buzzard is due back in court on November 19.
Meanwhile, the search for Melodee continues.
Brewer reportedly said that Melodee could be in Utah, adding that Ashlee Buzzard that she told him where she left her, but he doesn’t know if it’s true.
The sheriff’s office said Buzzard rented a car in Lompoc, and embarked on a cross-country trip on October 7, with possible stops in Kansas and Nebraska.
Security footage placed both Ashlee Buzzard and Melodee at the car rental business while wearing wigs that same day.
The rental car, described as a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, initially had California license plate 9MNG101. On October 8, Buzzard allegedly changed it to New York license plate HCG9677.
“It is unknown when the plate was installed or whether additional plates were used at other times during travel. The New York plate seen on the car does not belong to the vehicle or to Ashlee,” the sheriff’s office 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.
Before returning the car on October 10, Ashlee Buzzard put the California plate back on the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
Anyone with information regarding Melodee’s whereabouts is urged 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]
