Officials Take Baby Into Custody From 'Idol' Singer: Reports

BRADENTON, FL — Multiple sources are reporting Manatee County deputies took a newborn baby into custody Wednesday afternoon from her parents, former "American Idol" singer Syesha Mercado and her partner, Tyron Deneer.

Buzzfeed News reports deputies stopped the couple while they were driving with the newborn to conduct a welfare check. Manatee County officials reportedly insisted on taking the baby to the hospital for a checkup.

Deneer broadcast the interaction with deputies on Instagram Live. Patch has reached out to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

A representative from a social justice organization told the Bradenton Herald the baby is still in protective custody after a Thursday morning court hearing.

The couple's 15-month-old son was put into foster care several months ago because he was allegedly malnourished, the Bradenton Herald reports. More than 33,000 people have signed a petition calling for Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. to allow the toddler to be back with his parents.

Mercado finished third in the seventh season of "American Idol" and then began a career in musical theater.