Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was taken back into custody in Florida after federal prosecutors alleged he cut off his electronic location monitoring device. The development comes just days after his initial high-profile arrest on federal charges involving child sexual abuse material.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the 82-year-old allegedly removed the ankle bracelet at approximately 1:45 a.m on Tuesday.
“He allegedly cut the bracelet off… Release conditions are court orders, not suggestions,” Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney, posted on X. “We are asking the court to revoke his release and detain him pending trial, and we will continue to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
Following the breach, authorities took Markle into custody, and he appeared before a federal judge in Tampa.
Dutchess of Sussex Ready To Coperate With FBI After Thomas Markle’s Arrest
As the legal crisis deepens, representatives for the Duchess of Sussex have reiterated her position regarding the severe nature of the allegations, with a spokesperson telling CBS that she was “happy to cooperate with the FBI’s investigation, indeed any law enforcement agency seeking justice for the victims.”
The arrest comes as Meghan and Prince Harry made their first joint public appearance overseas at the European Parliament in Brussels for a child safety event on . Though sources close to the couple noted the immense emotional toll the situation has taken, Prince Harry addressed the audience from a deeply personal perspective as a father.
“Children deserve to feel safe wherever they are—in a classroom, on a playground, at any time, no matter where they are,” Harry told the assembly.
Thomas Sr. was originally arrested by federal agents on November 6 at a senior care retirement home in Lakeland, Florida. The arrest followed the seizure of roughly 78 items, including slides, film negatives, and digital storage, by investigators who alleged he kept abusive material across storage units in California and Mexico.
Following his initial arrest, a federal judge permitted him to remain out of custody under strict home detention and electronic monitoring, citing his advanced age and health conditions. The court also ordered a psychiatric evaluation to assess his mental competency to stand trial, with a report deadline set for November 20.
With the latest violation of his release conditions, prosecutors are moving forward to ensure he remains detained as the multi-jurisdictional investigation continues. If convicted on the federal charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
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