Thomas Markle Jailed After Allegedly Cutting Off Ankle Monitor as New Mugshot Is Released

Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged 82-year-old father of Meghan Markle, has been ordered back into federal custody after allegedly cutting off his court-ordered electronic ankle monitor just days after his arrest. The dramatic development came on November 10, 2026, when a judge revoked his release and ordered him detained while his federal criminal case moves forward. His latest mugshot was subsequently released, showing him wearing an orange jail uniform.

Markle was initially arrested in Florida on November 6 following an FBI investigation into suspected child sexual abuse material allegedly found in two storage units in the Los Angeles area. Federal authorities said investigators seized approximately 78 items, including slides, film negatives and books. According to the criminal complaint, some of the materials allegedly contained sexually explicit images involving children, including photographs authorities claim depicted Markle with underage girls.

After his initial court appearance, Markle was allowed to leave custody under strict conditions, including home detention and electronic monitoring. However, prosecutors said he removed his ankle bracelet at approximately 1:45 a.m. on November 10. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced that authorities had taken him back into custody and would seek to revoke his release, emphasizing that court-imposed restrictions must be followed.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsay Saxe Griffin subsequently ordered Markle detained without bond. The judge found that he had violated the conditions of his release and that his living arrangements were no longer suitable to ensure his appearance in court and protect public safety. Authorities have not publicly established why he allegedly removed the device. His defense attorney had sought to keep him out of custody, but the court ultimately sided with prosecutors.

The case has also raised questions about Markle’s ability to participate in his own defense. During his earlier court appearance, the judge expressed concerns about his advanced age, health and difficulty recalling information. An independent psychiatric evaluation was ordered to determine whether he is mentally competent to stand trial, with a report expected by November 20. If convicted of the federal possession charge, Markle could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle has publicly expressed distress over the allegations involving her father. The Duchess of Sussex said her priority was the protection of children and explained that her decision to keep him away from her own children was made for their safety. Thomas Markle has denied the accusations, describing them as false. He has not entered a plea, and the allegations have not yet been proven in court.