The mother of a 9-year-old Santa Barbara County girl who disappeared last month has been arrested on unrelated charges, the sheriff's department said Friday.

Ashlee Buzzard, 40, was arrested in connection with a recent incident during which she "prevented a victim from leaving a location," the agency said. She was arrested on suspicion of felony false imprisonment, authorities said.

Stream Los Angeles News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE

Details about the crime were not immediately available.

"This crime is not connected to the ongoing search for Melodee, however, detectives are unable to fully outline the crime as it would impede their ongoing investigation," the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department said. "Although this arrest occurred during the course of the mis

See Full Page