AI Image
Duchess Meghan's father, Thomas Markle Sr., arrested in Florida in child pornography probe
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Thomas Markle Sr., estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was arrested in Florida for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse materials stored in two Los Angeles-area storage units he rented for nearly 20 years.
- The FBI seized 78 items, including slides and film negatives, with at least 18 images constituting child pornography, some allegedly depicting Markle Sr. with nude prepubescent girls.
- The investigation originated in the Philippines after Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr., reported the materials to authorities, leading to searches in Mexico and the U.S.; Markle Sr. denies the allegations.
- Meghan has been aware of the allegations since 2018 and cut off contact with her father to protect her children, stating the decision was based on information shared with U.K. authorities at the time.
- If convicted, Markle Sr. faces up to 20 years in federal prison; Meghan will not comment on the arrest currently.
