AMP in the post
Thomas Markle Sr., 82, was arrested in Florida on November 6 for allegedly possessing CSAM materials in a storage unit in California, but he was released with an ankle monitor. Now, he has been rearrested for allegedly removing the monitor.
Removing The Monitor
NBC News reported that Thomas Markle Sr. is in Tampa, Florida, and U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli alleged that “he cut off his ankle monitor at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday.”
The Daily Mail reported that the dad of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, lost his house arrest status after Essayli requested “the court revoke Markle’s bail and re-detain him pending trial.”
Judge Lindsay Griffin granted the request on Tuesday, ruling that Markle had tampered with his ankle monitor. The judge ordered his rearrest, and he was taken to Pinellas County Jail.
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The Original Arrest
Thomas Markle Sr. was taken into custody at a Florida retirement home. Authorities initially arrested him after alleged child sexual abuse material turned up at properties linked to him in Mexico and the Philippines.
Thomas Markle Sr. was charged with one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
House Arrest
Given his age and alleged health issues, Markle was allowed to stay out of jail during the pretrial phase. However, it seems that he has now lost that privilege.
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A spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service, the federal agency tracking Markle’s location through his GPS ankle monitor is currently investigating the details of the situation.
When ABC7 reported the rearrest, the anchor reminded YouTube viewers that “approximately 70 items” were seized and they allegedly showed some explicit photos.
Viewers React
Viewers who watched the video had something to say because of his connection to the royal family via Meghan Markle, who married Prince Harry.
One commenter said, “This is Breaking News? He only has one leg, I doubt he’ll be making a run for it.”
Here are a few more responses from the discussion area:
- “You know this is not going to end well.”
- “We’re hearing about this only because he’s Meghan’s dad. And they’re not speaking to each other. It’s basically a local story.”
- “People won’t miss any opportunities to embarrass you or themselves.”
- “He hasn’t been found guilty of anything.”
- “Well if he don’t want an ankle bracelet, no worries arrest and place him in a jail cell until his court date let the judge decide what to do with him.”
A Competency Evaluation
Thomas Markle Sr. denied the materials belonged to him, and later, the news arrived that a judge ordered him to undergo a psychiatric competency evaluation.
The judge ordered it after he displayed signs of confusion during his first court appearance.
Your thoughts on Thomas Markle Sr. allegedly cutting off his ankle monitor? Join the discussion, and then come back for more celebrity justice and royal family news and updates.