Thomas Markle, 82, the father of Duchess Meghan, is back in federal custody in Florida after an alleged violation of the terms of his pretrial release. According to prosecutors, he removed the electronic monitoring device he was required to wear in connection with a case involving possession of materials depicting child sexual abuse. On Tuesday, a federal court in Tampa denied him release on bail again.
According to court documents, prosecutors said Markle removed the monitoring device early Tuesday morning. Federal judge Lindsay S. Griffin found that he thereby violated the terms of his earlier release.
In her order, she also pointed to his housing situation, calling it “unsustainable.” She concluded that, without suitable housing, no available release conditions would adequately ensure the safety of other people and the community, or the defendant’s appearance in court. The judge also ordered a medical evaluation of Markle and that he be given all necessary prescribed medications, unless a doctor decides to discontinue them.
Markle was first detained last week after FBI searches of storage units he rents in Los Angeles. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the units were registered in his name and had been rented since 2008, with the last payment made in October 2026. Agents seized about 78 items, including photographic negatives, slides and books that, according to investigators, contained materials depicting child sexual abuse.
Prosecutors also said that witnesses identified Markle in two photographs included in the case. In the photos, the man reportedly appeared to be between 30 and 40 years old, which, according to investigators, may indicate that the alleged events took place many years ago.
Markle faces one count of possessing illegal materials depicting children.
He has denied the accusations, calling them “sick lies.”
Ed. JŁ
Source: Słoneczne Radio
