Thomas Markle Sr. has reportedly been separated from other inmates as he remains in a correctional facility awaiting trial.
The 82-year-old father of Meghan Markle, who has been charged with possessing child pornography, allegedly violated his bail conditions by forcibly removing his ankle monitor while under house arrest.
On Tuesday, November 10, Magistrate Judge Lindsay S. Griffin revoked Thomas’ pretrial release and ordered him detained in a corrections facility “separate, to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody pending appeal,” per PEOPLE.
Thomas Markle to Undergo Psychiatric Evaluation
Griffin also said in the court filing that she found “reasonable cause to believe” that Thomas may “suffer from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense.”
The Florida judge cited details about Thomas’ medical condition, his advanced age, and reported memory difficulties as factors behind her decision.
The court has appointed forensic psychiatrist Dr. Amie Gerodimos to independently assess Thomas’ mental competency and determine whether he is capable of standing trial.
Dr. Gerodimos is expected to submit her findings to the court by November 20.
Thomas Markle Denies Allegations
Thomas was first arrested last week after the FBI searched storage units in Los Angeles registered to him, which he had rented since 2008, per BBC News.
Authorities reportedly seized about 78 items, including film negatives, slides and books suspected of containing child sexual abuse material.
Witnesses “positively identified” Thomas in two of the images believed to contain child sex abuse material.
The individual depicted in the images reportedly “appears to be in the age range of 30s to 40s.” Given that Thomas is now 82, this could indicate that the alleged material dates back several decades. Thomas has called the allegations “sick lies”.
Following a series of strokes last year, Thomas relocated to the Philippines, where he settled in Cebu until May. He later returned to Florida, where he was reportedly undergoing rehabilitation and working to regain his ability to walk after having his leg amputated.
Meanwhile, Meghan has yet to publicly address her father’s arrest. A source told PEOPLE that she’s trying to focus on work amid the controversy.
“Keeping her work commitments doesn’t mean she’s any less upset,” the source told the outlet. “She’s trying to focus on her family, her kids and the work that matters to her.”
The insider continued, “She believes she can do something good through that work. Having things in her life that she cares about and can put her energy into is helping her.”
Thomas Markle Separated From Other Prisoners as He Remains in Corrections Facility