Thomas Markle jailed in Tampa after cutting off ankle monitor

Thomas Markle, the 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was ordered to jail Tuesday in Tampa, Florida, after he cut off his electronic ankle monitor, according to WSVN 7News and WPLG Local 10.

The removal of the device came just days after Markle was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material. Authorities arrested him in Lakeland, Florida, following the discovery of approximately 78 items containing suspected child sexual abuse images in storage units in California, WSVN 7News reported.

Markle had been living in a senior care center in Florida at the time of his arrest. U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsay Griffin ruled that Markle must remain in custody, citing his housing situation as untenable, according to court documents cited by WSVN 7News.

A mental competency exam for Markle has been ordered with a report due by November 20. Markle had a stroke earlier this year and had his left leg amputated, which led to his return to the U.S. from the Philippines, WSVN 7News reported.

Authorities have not disclosed where Markle will be held while his case proceeds in court and before a likely transfer to California, according to the reports.

The case has drawn attention due to Markle's relation to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who married Prince Harry in 2018.