Ashlee Buzzard, 40, a resident of Lompoc, has been charged with one count of felony false imprisonment related to an incident in Lompoc on Nov. 6, Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced Monday.

The charge comes amid ongoing search efforts for her 9-year-old daughter Melodee Buzzard , who was last seen with her mother on Oct. 9.

Authorities continue to investigate Melodee’s whereabouts, and the case remains active.

Savrnoch said the false imprisonment charge is unrelated to Melodee's disappearance.

Buzzard, who was taken into custody on Friday, is being held at the Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail, with bail set at $100,000.

She is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday at the Santa Maria Superior Court, Department 9.

Senior Deputy District Attorney

See Full Page