Utah handyman: I would not hurt a child

Richard Ricci said in a statement: "I think the reason I'm involved is because of my past."

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (CNN) -- The former handyman for Elizabeth Smart's family says he was shocked by the 14-year-old's abduction and knows nothing about her disappearance or where she might be.

Richard Ricci, who is under police scrutiny but hasn't been named as a suspect, released a statement Friday night through his attorney, David K. Smith.

"First, I would like to say I have no knowledge of Elizabeth Smart's abduction, disappearance or whereabouts. I want to say to the Smart family from my family; Angela, my stepson and myself, that we pray for her safe return," said Ricci, who is in jail for what authorities have described as parole violations.

"I too, lost a 9-year-old son in an accident in 1985 and I know what Ed and Lois are going through."

Ricci said he has "cooperated fully" with law enforcement by taking polygraph tests, undergoing questioning, giving blood and turning over his car.

CNN NewsPass VIDEO CNN's Ed Lavandera profiles Richard Ricci, the man Salt Lake City police are investigating in connection with the abduction of Elizabeth Smart (June 28) Play video   MORE STORIES Hair samples collected in missing girl case    EXTRA INFORMATION Images of Elizabeth Smart  • Missing children facts    Web site: ElizabethSmart.com Tip lines: 800-932-0190 or 801-799-3000

"The police and FBI have searched my home and shed and have even dug up my garden -- and they have found nothing. I think the reason I'm involved is because of my past. I would not -- nor could not -- hurt a child in any way," he said.

Ricci, 48, has spent 29 years in and out of prison on burglary, attempted homicide, armed robbery and other convictions.

"The night of her disappearance I was home with [my wife] Angela. I awoke around 6-6:30 a.m. to hear on the news that Elizabeth Smart had been kidnapped. I was in shock."

Elizabeth was abducted at gunpoint from her Salt Lake City home before dawn on June 5, while her 9-year-old sister feigned sleep in the bedroom they shared.

Ricci, who had worked as a handyman for the Smarts, admitted to stealing items from the family's home last year.

Ricci's whereabouts around the time of the abduction are coming under increasing scrutiny, along with his use of a Jeep Cherokee that the Smarts gave to him as partial payment for carpentry work.

Angela Ricci told authorities her husband fell asleep at 10:30 p.m., June 4. Angela said she herself did not go to bed until hours later, at 1:30 a.m. When she awoke the next morning, he was still in their trailer home, she said.

But neighbors have raised questions about her account, and authorities have said she was known to use prescription sleep aids.