Thomas Markle back behind bars after allegedly cutting off his ankle monitor days after arrested, charged
Thomas Markle has landed himself back in custody after he was released last week to await his child sexual abuse material trial.
Thomas Markle has broken one of his release conditions and allegedly cut off his ankle monitoring device days after his arrest.
A spokesperson for the US attorney’s office told Page Six he had been detained as a result of the incident.
“His pretrial release was revoked, and he has been detained,” they said.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.It is not clear where Mr Markle will be held in custody.
The estranged father of Meghan Markle was arrested and charged with one count of possessing child sexual abuse material, after 78 items were seized by authorities after the search of Californian storage units.
After his initial court appearance, the judge ordered him released to await trial on condition that he submit to home detention and electronic monitoring, the US Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles said in a statement.
But on Wednesday morning, United States Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli said that Mr Markle had cut his ankle monitor off.
“Four days ago, a federal judge allowed Mr Markle to remain out of custody pending trial,” he wrote on social media.
“He was ordered to wear a location monitoring device.
“He allegedly cut the bracelet off at 1:45 a.m. last night.
“Release conditions are court orders, not suggestions.
“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.”
US Judge Lindsay S Griffin ruled on Tuesday that he had violated the conditions of his pre-trial release.
In her ruling, she said that Mr Markle’s housing situation had become “untenable”, the BBC reported.
“Based on the lack of suitable housing, no condition or combination of conditions would reasonably assure the safety of any other person or the community and the defendant’s appearance in court,” she said.
Mr Markle, an amputee, is a wheel-chair user with dementia who resides at a care facility in Florida, where he was arrested.
Federal Magistrate Judge Lindsay Griffin said Mr Markle would need to undergo an evaluation to determine if he understood the charges he faced.
If convicted, Mr Markle could face up to 20 years in prison, the Justice Department said.
Meghan and Prince Harry have not commented publicly on the charge.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
