In 2016 The Rocketts, a brother and sister kid duo that appeared on America’s Got Talent as semifinalists, were arrested last week in Farmerville, Louisiana, after they refused to go with police who were trying to return the two to their mother.
According to the New York Post, the siblings Kadan, 15, and Brooklyn, 13, lived with their father in California.
But an intense custody battle ended with a judge issuing a 2019 order that the two return to their mother.
Authorities were given paperwork authorizing the transfer, but video footage shows officers in a confrontation with the teens who claimed they were scared of their mother.
Authorities told the two, “You do not have a choice, this is nothing to argue about. You have to go with us. Let’s go.” But the magicians did not comply.
That is when the police began reading them their rights. “I’m asking you to go — or you will be arrested.” When they don’t immediately respond, the officer jerks Kadan by the arm and slaps cuffs on him as Brooklyn sobs and wipes away tears. Their father, Bart Rockett, can be heard saying, “I love you guys.”
This isn’t the first time; in 2019, Missouri police were involved in a similar situation.
The custody issue stemmed from the divorce of the mom and dad back in 2010.
The children were in Louisianna attending their grandmother’s funeral and spent the night at the Green Oaks Detention Center located in Monroe.
For now, they are back in the custody of their father.
“My “babies” are FREE and SAFE!!!! I am not allowed to post any court details at this time because of a gag order but I can tell you they are free and safe!!! (and very very very happy and hungry right now!!!! ),” their father posted on Facebook, along with a photo snapped at the detention center. “Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the prayers and support!!!! We can never say thanks enough. I have tears in my eyes trying to type this. It appears this lengthy nightmare may just be over.”