Thomas Markle Sr., father of Meghan Markle, has been placed under house arrest with strict restrictions. The 82-year-old has been charged with possessing child sexual abuse material. Restrictions include an internet ban and a prohibition on contact with minors.
Thomas Markle Sr. barred from internet access and contact with minors
According to Complex, Meghan Markle’s estranged father has returned to his Florida care facility. He appeared in federal court in Tampa on Nov. 6. Markle arrived in a wheelchair and did not enter a plea. A magistrate judge released him on his own recognizance, subject to home detention and electronic monitoring. He is barred from accessing the internet and contacting minors, while his travel is restricted to designated judicial districts in Florida and California.
The court also ordered a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether Markle can understand the proceedings and assist in his defense. However, no court has determined that he is incompetent to stand trial.
The developments follow an FBI investigation into two storage units in Los Angeles that Markle had rented since 2008. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, investigators seized approximately 78 items, including slides, film negatives and books containing suspected child sexual abuse material.
Prosecutors also reported finding photographs allegedly depicting Markle with underage girls. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli described the allegations as “extremely serious” and said Markle could be prosecuted to the fullest extent of federal law. If convicted, Markle could face up to 20 years in prison. He previously described the allegations as “sick lies.”
Markle’s legal troubles began after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reported finding suspected child sexual abuse material among his father’s belongings in the Philippines. Philippine authorities may pursue separate charges.
The allegations have brought renewed attention to Meghan Markle’s estrangement from her father. The Duchess of Sussex previously said she was “deeply distressed” by the allegations.
