Meghan Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, is reportedly helping federal authorities with their investigation into her ex-husband, Thomas Markle Sr., following his arrest on a child pornography charge.
Ragland, 70, has assisted investigators in identifying Thomas, 82, in photographs obtained during the ongoing investigation, PEOPLE reported. The Duchess of Sussex is also prepared to cooperate with the FBI and other authorities looking into the allegations against her estranged father.
The reported assistance comes days after Thomas was arrested in Florida on Friday, Nov. 6. He faces one federal count of possession of child pornography.
Ragland Allegedly Helped the FBI
Reports alleged that Ragland was shown redacted versions of suspected child sexual abuse material and helped identify Thomas as the adult man pictured.
Markle Was Arrested Earlier in the Week
According to federal court documents, investigators searched two storage units in the Los Angeles area that Thomas had rented since 2008. The searches resulted in the seizure of approximately 78 items, including slides, film negatives and books that authorities suspect contain child sexual abuse material.
A federal criminal complaint alleges that two of the images show an adult man, identified by a witness as Thomas, with a nude prepubescent girl. The witness reportedly knew Thomas since the 1970s and identified him in the photographs.
Authorities also described another image allegedly showing a nude prepubescent girl in a room that appeared to be part of a motel chain in the Philippines. The complaint references additional photographs that appear to show Thomas with children in various stages of undress.
The allegations have drawn attention to Thomas’ family, including his former wife and daughter. Ragland was photographed outside her Los Angeles home Friday, shortly after news of his arrest became public, according to Page Six.
Thomas and Ragland were previously married and share one daughter, Meghan. The former couple’s relationship with the duchess has been the subject of public attention for years, particularly following Meghan’s marriage to Prince Harry.
Thomas’ arrest followed an investigation involving reports of suspected material found among his belongings in the Philippines. His son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly contacted authorities after claiming to have discovered the material at his father’s residence.
The FBI subsequently investigated the allegations and searched the storage facilities in California.
Thomas has denied possessing child sexual abuse material and previously rejected allegations of sexual activity involving anyone under 18. He acknowledged to the Mail on Sunday that he had paid for sex with adult women in the Philippines.
The federal charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if Thomas is convicted. However, the allegations have not been proven in court.
Meghan’s reported willingness to assist investigators and Ragland’s alleged involvement represent developments in a case that has brought renewed scrutiny to the duchess’s estranged family.
Meghan Markle’s Mother Doria Ragland Reportedly Assists FBI in Thomas Markle Investigation