Judge Orders Psychiatric Exam for Meghan Markle's Father Thomas Markle
A federal judge has ordered a psychiatric exam for Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, to determine whether he is mentally fit to face a child pornography charge. The 82-year-old was arrested last week in Florida and has denied the allegations.
The judge cited his age, his health and what she described as a "lack of recall" during his first court appearance.
Why the Judge Ordered the Exam
U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsay Griffin in Tampa found "reasonable cause to believe" that Markle may have a condition "rendering him mentally incompetent," according to CBS News. She said he may be unable to understand the proceedings against him or help with his own defense.
Griffin pointed to his "health condition," "advanced age" and "lack of recall," but did not give further details about his health. Her order followed his initial appearance in federal court in Tampa, which took place the same day he was arrested.
The judge appointed Dr. Amie Gerodimos, a forensic psychiatrist, to conduct an independent exam, provide a diagnosis and determine whether Markle is fit to stand trial. Her report is due to the court by Nov. 20, Reuters reported.
The Charge Against Markle
FBI agents arrested Thomas Markle on Friday, Nov. 6, at his retirement home in Lakeland, Florida. He faces a single federal count of possessing child sexual abuse material and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The Justice Department alleges that Markle kept the material in two Los Angeles-area storage units he had rented for nearly two decades. According to an FBI affidavit, agents seized slides, film negatives and books from the units, CNN reported.
Authorities allege the material includes explicit photos of Markle himself with underage girls. One image appears to show a room in a motel chain in the Philippines, where he previously lived.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Markle "targeted innocent children and sought to steal their innocence through his criminal actions."
No plea was entered at his first court appearance in Tampa. Markle was released on his own recognizance on the condition that he stay on home detention with electronic monitoring. He is also barred from traveling outside the Middle District of Florida and the Central District of California.
His federal public defender, Mary Claire Wolf, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Investigations in Other Countries
The U.S. case is not the only one Markle faces. Police in the Philippines opened an investigation after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., turned some of his father's personal items over to law enforcement. Markle had been living in Cebu before he reportedly returned to the U.S. this year.
In Mexico, authorities searched a storage unit in Rosarito, Baja California, on Oct. 29 after a 911 report. They said they found old magazines and VHS tapes containing child pornography, and the case was referred to federal prosecutors.
Markle Jr. said he reported the images to police in the Philippines and contacted the FBI. He told The Sun he will not speak to his father again "unless I'm called to give evidence against him."
Markle Denies the Claims
Markle has called the allegations "sick lies." In an interview with the Daily Mail, he said, "I have never downloaded anything like that in my life."
Last month, Meghan said she was "deeply distressed" by the accusations against her father. She also said she learned of the allegations years ago.
Meghan and her father have been estranged for years. Markle did not attend her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
The charge against Markle is an allegation, and he has not been convicted of any crime.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.