Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, is back behind bars after allegedly cutting off his court-ordered ankle monitor just days after being arrested on child sexual abuse material charges.
The 82-year-old was taken into custody early Tuesday, after authorities discovered he had removed the monitoring device around 1:45 a.m.
A federal judge in Tampa, Florida, subsequently ordered him detained pending trial.
“Release conditions are court orders, not suggestions,” federal prosecutor Bill Essayli said. “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.”
Thomas was initially arrested Friday after investigators allegedly discovered approximately 78 items containing suspected child sexual abuse images in California storage units linked to him.
According to court documents, investigators identified roughly 18 images they believed constituted illegal material.
The former Hollywood lighting director had been released under electronic monitoring because of his age and health concerns.
A judge has also ordered a mental competency evaluation, with findings due Nov. 20.
Thomas Markle Sr. is facing a federal charge of possessing child sexual abuse material after FBI agents allegedly discovered approximately 78 items, including photographs, film negatives and books, in two California storage units linked to him.
Investigators claim some images depict the 82-year-old with underage girls.
The investigation began after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly discovered disturbing material while clearing out his father’s home in the Philippines.
“When I found this material, I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad,” Thomas Jr. told The Sun. “I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now.” He also declared, “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”
Thomas Sr. has denied the allegations, calling them “sick lies” and accusing his son of attempting to destroy his reputation.
Meghan, who has been estranged from her father for years, previously expressed being “deeply distressed” by the allegations. She also defended her decision to keep him away from her children, Archie and Lilibet.
“Any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children was for one reason: to protect them,” she said.
