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(SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- An 18-year-old South Carolina man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly sending threatening e-mails about the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case.
Kenneth Holloway, of Charleston, S.C, allegedly used the screen name "elisabethsmartkidnapper" and contacted law enforcement and the Smart family several times, the FBI said. In the e-mails, he allegedly demanded money for Elizabeth's return.
He is not considered a suspect in the kidnapping.
Elizabeth, then 14, disappeared from her bedroom June 5. Her 9-year-old sister, the sole witness, told police a gunman abducted Elizabeth around 1 a.m.
The FBI in Salt Lake City traced the e-mails to Holloway's home. On Tuesday, authorities searched his house and seized three computer systems and other evidence. Holloway was arrested without incident Wednesday morning, the FBI said.
He is accused of interstate extortion and sending threatening communications across state lines.
"Although Mr. Holloway is not considered a suspect in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, he is charged with committing a serious crime in connection with that investigation," said FBI special agent James Burrus. "Mr. Holloway's criminal conduct diverted valuable investigative resources from the investigation and has re-victimized the Smart family."
