Thomas Markle Sr. Accused of Removing His Ankle Monitor After Release

Thomas Markle Sr., the father of Meghan Markle, is facing a possible return to custody after prosecutors alleged that he removed his electronic ankle monitor while released from federal detention. The allegation was reported by Fox News, citing a post on X by Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California. Essayli reportedly said the monitor was cut off at about 1:45 a.m. He described the conditions of Markle’s release as court orders rather than recommendations. Prosecutors, according to the report, intend to ask a judge to revoke his release and hold him in custody until trial, while continuing the case to the full extent of the law. Markle, 82, had previously been released from federal custody after posting bail and was placed under house arrest. He was arrested in Florida on Friday in connection with alleged possession of material depicting child sexual abuse. The article says Markle has denied possessing such material, calling the allegations “sick lies.” His son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly handed police four boxes of items, including computers, phones, hard drives and old videotapes. He said he had found them at his father’s former home. The report adds that Markle moved to the Philippines last year after suffering a series of strokes, returned to Florida in May and stayed at a rehabilitation centre following a leg amputation. The case has also brought renewed attention to Markle’s strained family relationships. He is reportedly out of contact with two of his three children, including Meghan, with whom he has not spoken since 2018. The article says Meghan described herself as deeply shaken when the allegations emerged and expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed.