A 7-year-old girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert out of Michigan has been found in Citrus County.

On Tuesday, the Hamburg Township Police Department issued an Amber Alert for Sapphire Palmer, who was taken from Michigan by her mother, Amanda Hayward, and her mother's acquaintance, Douglas Stanko. Officials say Stanko was a registered sex offender.

  • Amber Alert had been issued for Sapphire Palmer out of Michigan
  • Palmer and her mother were found in Homosassa
  • Registered sex offender who was reportedly with them has not been found

Officials say Hayward's mental state was reportedly "unsteady" and had deteriorated in the last week or so. She was also said to be paranoid and armed with a pistol.

On Thursday, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit received a call from the FBI regarding the Amber Alert.

Investigators say Sapphire Palmer's mother, Amanda Hayward, was reportedly in an "unsteady" mental state that had deteriorated in the past week. (Citrus County Sheriff's Office)

Law enforcement officials in Michigan tracked Stanko's phone and located it in Homosassa, near West Holiday Street, where Hayward's mother lives.

Officials say they contacted authorities in Michigan, then agents from FDLE, detectives and patrol units went to the house, which was located at the end of a long dirt driveway.

They approached the house and found Sapphire and her mother. Stanko was not at the house, and was said to be heading back to Michigan, officials say.

Everyone at the house cooperated with law enforcement, officials say.

Investigators say Hayward and Sapphire were reportedly with Douglas Stanko, a registered sex offender. (Citrus County Sheriff's Office)

The Florida Department of Children and Families responded to the house after making contact with child protective services in Michigan. A Michigan judge signed an order allowing DCF to take Sapphire into protective custody.

Investigators say they discovered Hayward didn't have the gun she was thought to have, and that the gun was found to be still in Michigan. Investigators also say Hayward did not meet the Baker Act criteria.

A hearing is scheduled for Friday in Michigan, and Hayward will join the hearing by phone.