Meghan Markle’s father arrested in Florida over alleged child sexual abuse material

Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been arrested in Florida and charged with possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including photographs allegedly depicting him with underage girls.

Markle, 82, of Lakeland, was taken into custody Friday following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He faces one federal count of possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

The arrest followed the discovery of suspected CSAM in 2 storage units in the Los Angeles area that Markle had rented since 2008. FBI agents searched both units under court-authorized warrants and seized approximately 78 items, including slides, film negatives and books containing suspected illegal material.

According to the criminal complaint, some of the photographs allegedly showed an adult man, identified by a witness as Markle, with nude prepubescent girls. Other images reportedly depicted children in various stages of undress.

The arrest comes as authorities in Mexico and the Philippines are also examining allegations involving material allegedly found among Markle’s belongings.

Mexican authorities recently searched a storage unit in Rosarito after the Daily Mail reported finding suspected child sexual abuse material there. Police in the Philippines have also reportedly examined material discovered at his former home.

Markle has previously denied wrongdoing, describing allegations connected to the Philippines as “sick lies” and insisting he had never had sex with anyone under the age of 18.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency worked with law enforcement partners to locate the material and arrest Markle.

If convicted, Markle faces up to 20 years in prison.