Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been returned to federal custody in Florida after prosecutors accused him of removing his court-ordered ankle monitor while awaiting trial on child sexual abuse materialcharges.
Markle appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Tampa on Tuesday and was denied bail after the court found that he had violated the conditions of his pretrial release.
US Magistrate Judge Lindsay S Griffin ruled that Markle’s release conditions should be revoked after prosecutors said heremoved the electronic monitoring device earlier that morning.
Griffin described his housing situation as “untenable” and said no combination of release conditions could reasonably guarantee the safety of others or ensure his appearance in court.
In the order revoking his release, the judge wrote that “based on the lack of suitable housing, no condition or combination of conditions would reasonably assure the safety of any other person or the community and the defendant’s appearance incourt
The judge also ordered a medical evaluation and directed that Markle receive all necessary prescribed medication unless aphysician discontinues it.
US Attorney for Central California Bill Essayli defended the court’s decision, saying defendants must comply with theconditions attached to their release.
“Release conditions are court orders, not suggestions,” Essayli wrote on X on Tuesday.
“We will continue to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
Markle, 82, was arrested last week after the FBI searched storage units registered to him in Los Angeles under courtwarrants. The US Department of Justice said he had rented the units since 2008, with the last payment made in Octoberthis year.
According to the Department of Justice, FBI agents seized about 78 items from the storage units, including film negatives,slides and books allegedly containing child sexual abuse material.
Investigators also said witnesses had positively identified Markle in two images believed to contain the material.
The images reportedly showed a man who appeared to be in his 30s or 40s, suggesting that the alleged abuse may haveoccurred decades ago.
Markle is charged with one count of possessing indecent images of children. He has denied possessing the material anddescribed the allegations as “sick lies.”
He was initially released under strict conditions following his arrest, including home detention and electronic monitoring. No plea was taken during his first court appearance.
FBI Director Kash Patel said last week that Markle had allegedly targeted children. “Allegedly targeted innocent children and sought to steal their innocence through his criminal actions.”
Markle’s representatives has been for comment.
Meghan’s Estrangement From Her Father
Markle’s arrest has also brought renewed attention to his estranged relationship with his daughter.
Meghan has been estranged from her father since 2018. She reportedly ended contact with him last year after learningabout allegations that he had abused young girls.
In a previously shared statement, the Duchess confirmed that she had received a letter concerning the allegations andexpressed concern for children who may have been harmed. “I am deeply distressed… my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.”
Meghan also said she hoped the circumstances surrounding her decision to cut contact with her father would beunderstood, adding that she did not allow him to have contact with her children.
Markle moved to the Philippines last year after suffering a series of strokes and lived in Cebu until May. He wasreportedly undergoing rehabilitation in Florida after having his leg amputated and learning to walk again.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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