Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was arrested by federal agents in Florida on Friday over allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) stored in rental units in California.
According to a criminal complaint filed in a Los Angeles federal court, the 82-year-old faces one count of possession of child pornography.
The U.S. Justice Department said he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Following an initial court appearance in Tampa, Florida, Markle was released pending trial under home detention and electronic monitoring.
The case stems from an FBI investigation launched after witnesses reported discovering suspected child sexual abuse material among Markle’s belongings.
Federal agents later searched two storage units he had rented in the Los Angeles area since 2008 and allegedly recovered dozens of items, including film negatives, slides, and books containing abusive imagery involving minors.
Court documents state that some of the recovered images allegedly showed Markle with nude underage girls, including photographs that investigators said depicted sexually exploitative conduct. Authorities said approximately 78 items were seized during the search.
Markle has previously denied the allegations, calling them “sick lies.” Buckingham Palace and representatives for Meghan Markle did not immediately comment. Meghan, who married Prince Harry in 2018, has reportedly expressed deep distress over the accusations.
Investigations linked to the allegations have also involved authorities in the Philippines and the United Kingdom.#
