Thomas Markle: Electronic Monitor Removed Days After Arrest
Authorities in Tampa confirmed that the 82-year-old father of Meghan Markle cut off his ankle monitor before being taken into federal custody.
By Marta Gray ·
Thomas Markle, the 82-year-old father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, removed his electronic ankle monitor just days after federal agents arrested him for possessing child sexual abuse material. Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney, announced the removal of the device on Tuesday. Markle remains in federal custody in Tampa, Florida, awaiting a court hearing.
Essayli stated that Markle cut the monitor at 1:45 a.m. on Friday, shortly before officers took him into custody. The arrest followed the seizure of approximately 78 items from storage units in the Los Angeles area. These items included slides, photographic negatives, and books containing alleged images of child sexual abuse. The storage units had been rented by Markle since 2008.
Markle was transported by ambulance from an adult care facility in Lakeland to the police station during his initial arrest. A judge later granted his release on the condition of electronic monitoring. The judge also ordered a mental capacity evaluation to determine if Markle can stand trial. A report on his condition is due to the court by November 20.
The legal proceedings began after The Sun reported that Meghan’s half-brother discovered a collection of images while clearing Markle’s former home in the Philippines. This discovery led investigators to the California storage facilities. Markle had moved back to the United States this year after suffering a stroke and having his left leg amputated.
Meghan Markle recently described herself as deeply distressed by the accusations. She revealed that a letter containing concerning allegations against her father was sent to London police in 2019. Meghan stated that she was assured the claims were being investigated at that time. She explained that her decision to limit her father's contact with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was made solely to protect them.
Meghan married Prince Harry at Windsor Castle in 2018. The couple has two children. Meghan is a U.S. citizen and actress known for her role in the television series Suits. The family has remained private since the recent revelations regarding Markle’s storage units and his medical history.
