Claim: Patty Hearst was kidnapped when she was 19 years old.

Patricia Campbell `` Patty '' Hearst -LRB- born February 20 , 1954 -RRB- , now known as Patricia Hearst Shaw , is the granddaughter of American publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst . She became nationally known for events following her 1974 kidnapping while she was a 19-year-old student living in Berkeley , California . Hearst was abducted by a left-wing terrorist group known as the Symbionese Liberation Army . After being isolated and threatened with death , she became supportive of their cause , making propaganda announcements for them and taking part in illegal activities .   Hearst was found 19 months after her kidnapping , by which time she was a fugitive wanted for serious crimes . She was held in custody , despite speculation that her family 's resources would prevent her spending time in jail . At her trial , the prosecution suggested that she had joined the Symbionese Liberation Army of her own volition , and that sexual activities between her and SLA members had not amounted to rape . She was found guilty of bank robbery . Hearst 's sentence was commuted by President Jimmy Carter , and she was pardoned by President Bill Clinton .