U.S. Judge Orders Psychiatric Evaluation for Thomas Markle

Overview

• Thomas Markle was arrested by FBI agents and appeared in federal court on Friday, Nov. 6, on a charge of possession of child‑abuse material; prosecutors say explicit photographs linked to him were found in two Los Angeles storage units.
• After the initial hearing he was released under strict conditions that include house arrest, electronic monitoring and limits on travel between the Middle District of Florida and the Central District of California.
• Judge Lindsay Griffin ordered a court psychiatric evaluation because of Markle’s age, recent serious health issues and reported memory problems, and the examiner must file a report by November 20 to decide if he can understand the charges and assist in his defense.
• U.S. authorities say investigators are tracing related evidence across borders, with inquiries opened in the Philippines after items were reportedly found there and reports claiming other material may have been stored in Mexico.
• Meghan Markle has said she is deeply shaken and has kept her children away from their grandfather for years for safety reasons, and if convicted Thomas Markle faces up to 20 years in prison under federal law.