Thomas Markle Sr., estranged father of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has landed back behind bars after cutting off his ankle monitor, but a judge has ordered him kept apart from other inmates as he awaits trial on child pornography charges.
Markle Sr., 82, a former Hollywood lighting director who, according to IMDb, won two Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on General Hospital, was arrested on Nov. 6 at an assisted living facility in Lakeland, Florida.
Federal investigators uncovered suspected child sexual abuse material in storage units in the Los Angeles area, where Markle previously lived and had been paying rent on the units from 2008 until October of this year, according to the BBC.
Investigators seized approximately 78 items, including photographs, film negatives, slides and books containing child sexual abuse images. The discovery led to federal charges against Markle, who has not entered a plea.
Despite the allegations, Markle was initially granted pretrial release, allowing him to return to the Lakeland facility where he had been receiving care.
But his freedom lasted only a few days.
According to authorities, Markle removed his court-ordered ankle monitor at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Nov. 10, prompting officials to take him back into custody.
“Release conditions are court orders, not suggestions,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said, according to the Associated Press.
Separated from other inmates
At a hearing that same day, U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsay S. Griffin revoked Markle’s release and ordered him detained while his case proceeds.
However, the judge also ruled him housed “in a corrections facility separate, to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody pending appeal,” People reports.
The arrangement could still change if his attorneys secure “suitable conditions” for him to live, with court records indicating that “the matter of bond could be reconsidered.”
Meghan’s reaction
As Markle awaits his next court hearing, his daughter Meghan, 45, has remained publicly silent about his arrest, although she previously explained the estrangement from her father was to “protect” her family.
And while the Duchess of Sussex is busying herself with her professional commitments, a source close to her told People that the situation has taken an emotional toll.
“This continues to be incredibly upsetting for Meghan,” the insider said. “She’s been following the news as it unfolds, and it’s a lot to take in.”
For now, Markle remains in federal custody as the court considers his fitness to stand trial and whether alternative housing could allow his release.
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