Sussex father Markle removes ankle monitor days after federal arrest
Authorities in Tampa say the 82-year-old actor was taken into custody after cutting his electronic tracking device.
By Alessia Desai ·
Thomas Markle, 82, was taken into federal custody in Tampa on Tuesday after removing his electronic ankle monitor within days of his initial booking. Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney, confirmed that Markle cut the device at 1:45 a.m. shortly before officers took him into custody. The move ended a brief period of electronic surveillance that had been ordered following his release on bail earlier in the week.
The arrest stems from the seizure of approximately 78 items, including slides, photographic negatives, and books, allegedly containing images of child sexual abuse. Essayli stated that authorities found these materials in two storage facilities in the Los Angeles area. Markle had rented those units since 2008. His detention follows a chain of events that began when his stepson discovered the collection while clearing out the former father's residence in the Philippines.
Markle originally faced a federal judge in Tampa who authorized his release under electronic monitoring. That same judge ordered a mental capacity evaluation to determine if the actor could stand trial. A report on his condition is due to the court by November 20. Until this latest development, Markle remained under custody while awaiting a hearing in the federal facility.
The case gained public attention after British tabloid The Sun reported that the Sussex princess's stepbrother found the alleged abuse images. Meghan Markle, the Duke of Sussex's wife, recently spoke about the impact of the findings. She described herself as deeply distressed by the discovery of the collection in her father's old home. She also revealed that a letter with concerning accusations regarding her father had been sent to London police in 2019.
"The letter contained concerning and unsettling accusations against my father, and I was assured they were being investigated," Meghan said. "I hope it is now understood that, despite the distortions of certain media outlets over the years, any distance from my father and my decision not to allow him contact with our children were for one reason: to protect them."
Markle's health has been a factor in his recent movements. He suffered a stroke in the Philippines earlier this year, which resulted in the amputation of his left leg. That medical event necessitated his return to the United States. He was initially transported by ambulance from an adult day care center in Lakeland, Florida, to authorities. The 2018 wedding between Meghan and Prince Harry produced two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Markle remains a U.S. citizen and former actor, best known for his role in the television series Suits. His current status in the federal system hinges on the upcoming mental capacity evaluation. The court expects the report by the end of the month, which will inform the next steps in the legal proceedings.
