Thomas Markle back in federal custody for removing ankle monitor

Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was returned to federal custody in Florida after allegedly removing his ankle monitor, court documents show. The 82‑year‑old appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Tampa on Tuesday and was denied bond. Prosecutors say he removed the device early that morning, violating the conditions of his pretrial release.

Markle was arrested last week after the FBI, acting on warrants, searched storage units in Los Angeles registered to him. The agents seized about 78 items, including film negatives, slides and books that the Department of Justice says contain child sex‑abuse material. Witnesses positively identified Markle in two of the images, which depict a man in his 30s or 40s, suggesting the alleged abuse dates back decades. He is charged with one count of possessing indecent images of children and had previously been ordered to stay in home detention and wear a location‑monitoring device.

Judge Lindsay S. Griffin denied Markle’s bond request and revoked his pretrial release, describing his housing situation as “untenable.” She ordered a medical evaluation and that he receive all prescribed medication unless discontinued by a physician. The judge emphasized that release conditions are court orders, not suggestions. Bill Essayli, the U.S. attorney for Central California, said the case would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Markle has denied the allegations, calling them “sick lies,” and has been estranged from his daughter since 2018. He moved to the Philippines after a series of strokes, returned to Florida after a leg amputation, and is now under federal custody.

The DOJ will continue to pursue the case, and Markle remains in custody until a further hearing. The outcome could have broader implications for the royal family and public trust, as Meghan has publicly stated that she cut ties with her father after learning of the alleged abuse. The investigation remains ongoing, and further court dates are expected as the federal case proceeds.