Meghan Markle's father released on bond after child pornography arrest
What's the story
Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, has been released on bond. He was arrested on Friday (local time) for alleged possession of child pornography. The court has ordered him to "submit to home detention at his assisted living facility in Florida and electronic monitoring," per the BBC. The prosecution and defense reached an agreement for a bond hearing hours after his arrest, leading to his release with certain conditions.
Release conditions
Markle Sr. barred from using the internet
Federal Magistrate Judge Lindsay Griffin emphasized the need for an evaluation to ensure Markle Sr. (82) understands the charges against him.
She said, "It's important in the circumstances, given Mr. Markle's age and health condition, that there is an evaluation to determine he understands the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him."
"He shall not use or have access to an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet."
Investigation details
He was being investigated in the Philippines
FBI agents searched two of Markle Sr.'s storage units in Los Angeles on October 30 and Wednesday, November 4, seizing around 78 items suspected to contain child sexual abuse imagery.
The federal criminal complaint alleges that Markle Sr. appears in two images with an underage girl.
He was also being investigated by the Cebu City Police Office in the Philippines after his son allegedly found child sexual abuse material at home and reported it to local police.
Family response
Samantha Markle defends father
Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Markle, defended their father, accusing their brother, Thomas Markle Jr., of making allegations for financial gain.
Markle Sr. also denied the claims to the Daily Mail, saying he was "shocked," "hurt," and "very upset" with his son's accusations.
He said, "I could never do what I'm being accused of. It's the worst thing anyone could accuse me of."
Estrangement
Meghan said she was 'deeply distressed' by the accusations
After her half-brother's allegations, Meghan said in a statement, "I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed."
The Duchess of Sussex also pointed out that similar "troubling and disturbing" allegations against him in 2018 led to her estrangement from him.