An 18-year-old South Carolina man was charged Wednesday Nov. 6 with trying to extort $3 million from the Smart family in return for Elizabeth.

Walter Kenneth Holloway of Charleston, S.C., is being held on felony charges of extortion and knowingly and intentionally transmitting communications containing threats across state lines.

Three computer systems and other evidence relating to this investigation were seized from Holloway's home.

Ed Smart, Elizabeth's father, said that although he was optimistic this would pan out, he was not getting his hopes up until he knew something conclusive.

"I guess I hadn't put too much hope into it because he wasn't giving us anything specific that would help us to know that it was absolutely Elizabeth," Smart said. "It is just a disappointment."

Holloway first began contacting authorities in September through e-mail and instant message communications, using the screen name "elizabethsmartkidnapper," demanding money for the return of Elizabeth.

"Tell Ed he can have Elizabeth back as soon as I get the ransom Im asking for her," Holloway said in his e-mail to Salt Lake City police officer Bill Silver. "Tell Ed to get 3 million dollars as soon as he can because this thing has gone on long enough. I don't want to hurt Elizabeth so give me what I want so I don't have to."

In October Holloway contacted the Smart family directly though e-mail, again demanding money.

The Smarts said they are saddened by Holloway's actions.

"This fellow, as outrageous as it is that he did this, I feel sorry," Smart said. "He has lost his whole life. From what I understand, he hasn't had a criminal background, and this has really devastated his life."

Smart said incidents like this take away from finding Elizabeth. However, regardless of the outcome, all leads have to be pursued.

"What would make you say that you could afford to not follow up on a lead, especially someone who's claiming to be the kidnapper," Smart said. "You just don't know. The police have been relentless and tireless in their efforts, along with the FBI and other law enforcement, in trying to find her."

Smart said they have received thousands of tips from well-meaning people, many of whom believe they can find Elizabeth through psychic powers.

"I believe that people can believe what they want, but when it comes to hard tips, where someone knows something, or knows someone who knows something, those are what we are really looking for," Smart said. "We just hope that someone will come forward that has some good, strong tips that will help us."

Smart pleaded with the perpetrator to come forward.

"Please have a heart," Smart said. "Please come forward. Elizabeth, wherever you are out there, I want you to know that there is incredible support looking for you, and they will not stop."

Smart said he will never stop looking for his daughter.

"I want to find her. We won't ever give up."

Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Nov 2002