Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., has been arrested in Florida and faces a federal charge involving the alleged possession of child sexual abuse material.
Markle, 82, was taken into custody Friday morning, Nov. 6, in Lakeland, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
He is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and was expected to make his initial court appearance in Tampa.
If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
What We Know So Far
According to a federal complaint, the investigation began in October after authorities learned that someone had signed an affidavit describing the discovery of suspected child sexual abuse material among Markle’s belongings in the Philippines.
Investigators subsequently learned that Markle had rented a storage unit in the Los Angeles area. Information from the initial report led authorities to a second storage facility.
Federal agents obtained search warrants and examined both units, which Markle had reportedly rented since 2008. The searches resulted in the seizure of approximately 78 items, including slides, film negatives and books that authorities said contained suspected child sexual abuse material.
The complaint describes several images investigators allegedly discovered. Two reportedly show an adult man, identified by a witness as Markle, with a nude prepubescent girl.
Another allegedly depicts a nude prepubescent girl in a room that appeared to be part of a motel chain in the Philippines. The affidavit also references additional photographs that appear to show Markle with children in various stages of undress.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli addressed the allegations in a statement following the arrest.
“Mr. Markle is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, including photographs depicting himself with minor girls. These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr. Markle to the fullest extent of federal law,” Essayli said, per the New York Post.
FBI Director Kash Patel also confirmed the arrest, describing the investigation and the agency’s efforts to locate the material, according to the BBC.
“The FBI and our partners have arrested Thomas Markle Sr. after an FBI investigation revealed he was in possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM),” Patel said.
His Son Allegedly Reported Markle
The arrest follows earlier allegations involving Markle and material reportedly discovered at his former residence in Cebu City, Philippines. His son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly contacted authorities after claiming he found suspected material among his father’s possessions.
Philippine authorities also announced an investigation into the allegations. Markle had previously denied wrongdoing, telling the Mail on Sunday that accusations against him were untrue. He acknowledged paying for sex with adult women in the Philippines but denied having sexual contact with anyone under 18 or possessing child sexual abuse material.
The case has also drawn attention because of Markle’s estrangement from his daughter. Meghan has previously said she was deeply distressed by the allegations and expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed.
Markle has been charged, not convicted. The federal complaint contains allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Meghan Markle’s Dad Arrested