FBI finds 'decades-old' abuse photos of Thomas Markle in LA storage units
The 82-year-old was arrested in Florida after agents seized 78 items from storage units, including images he allegedly appears in.
Thomas Markle, the estranged father of the Duchess of Sussex, has been charged with possessing child sex abuse material following a federal investigation. The 82-year-old appeared in court on Friday after FBI agents arrested him at his assisted living facility in Lakeland, Florida, according to the BBC [3]. He is accused of holding images that depict child sex abuse, with the US Department of Justice confirming the charges.
The investigation intensified after the Daily Mail reported [1] that agents searched two storage units Markle rented in Los Angeles since 2008. Inside, the FBI seized approximately 78 items, including film negatives, slides, and books suspected of containing illegal imagery [2]. Court documents allege that some photos show Markle himself with naked young girls, with one image suggesting the alleged abuse occurred decades ago when he was in his 30s or 40s [3].
Markle has consistently denied the accusations, previously describing them as "sick lies" [1]. However, the New York Post reported [2] that he was released on bond following a hearing where he appeared in a wheelchair, escorted by US Marshals. The court ordered him to remain under home detention and electronic monitoring at his facility [3].
The legal action stems from information provided by his son, Thomas Markle Jr, who reportedly discovered hundreds of images on devices belonging to his father in the Philippines [4]. This followed earlier reports by The Sun [1] that Markle Jr had found similar materials in a storage unit in Rosarito, Mexico. The Daily Mail stated that the FBI acted after the newspaper passed along information regarding the Mexican unit.
Meghan Markle has expressed being "deeply distressed" by the news, noting her thoughts are with any children harmed [3]. She has been estranged from her father since 2018, though the BBC notes she broke contact more recently. The Metropolitan Police in London also confirmed they had received a letter in 2019 with allegations against Markle but did not share them with other agencies, a decision now under review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Markle faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted [4]. His next arraignment in California is yet to be scheduled [3].
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- Daily Mail: Thomas Markle criminal complaint reveals FBI raided two new storage units in LA and found film negatives of him 'sexually abusing' young Asian girls
- New York Post: Thomas Markle sensationally released back to dementia care facility after first court appearance
- BBC News: Meghan's father Thomas Markle appears in court over child sex abuse material
- The Independent: Thomas Markle appears in US court accused with possessing child sexual abuse images
