Meghan Markle's estranged father arrested and charged with possessing child sexual abuse materials
Federal agents seized about 78 items from two Los Angeles-area storage units, and prosecutors say the case could bring a 20-year prison term.
- On Friday, federal agents arrested Thomas Markle Sr., 82, at a Florida care facility, charging him with one count of possessing child pornography following an FBI investigation into suspected abuse material.
- The investigation began when Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan's half-brother, reportedly discovered hundreds, if not thousands of child sex abuse images in boxes at his father's former home in Cebu, Philippines, and reported them to authorities.
- Seizures from two Los Angeles-area storage units yielded approximately 78 items including slides and film negatives, while authorities uncovered more than 7,000 child sexual abuse images on devices seized in the Philippines.
- Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stated she was "deeply distressed" by the allegations and had limited contact with her father "for one reason: to protect them," referencing her two children.
- Philippine officials confirmed they intend to proceed with criminal charges against Markle, while the U.S. Attorney's Office indicated court hearings will eventually move to California but likely won't happen for several weeks at least.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Police previously said that Duchess Meghan's half-brother is a "person of interest" in the investigation into Thomas Markle's child pornography allegations.
While his father was released on bail shortly after his arrest in a case of alleged detention of child pornography images, Thomas Markle Jr. has just been cleared by the Philippine police, who also suspected him of child criminality.
Thomas Markle Sr. is in custody in the USA. He is said to have stored footage of child abuse. The authorities also targeted his son, apparently because of a misunderstanding.
As it became known on Sunday, Doria Ragland, the mother of Duchess Meghan, identified her ex-husband Thomas Markle on the child abuse photos that led to his arrest.
After the arrest of Thomas Markle, his daughter Duchess Meghan appears to be willing to support the authorities. Her mother, too, is said to have helped the investigators.
New reports severely burden Thomas Markle: Doria Ragland reportedly identified him on FBI photos. Meghan could also support the FBI investigation.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
