Thomas Markle arrest in Florida on child sexual abuse material investigation, Digi Mart USA News (Lakeland, Florida): Thomas Markle, father of Meghan Markle and father-in-law of Prince Harry, was detained Friday, November 6, in Florida, United States, amid an investigation into alleged possession of child sexual abuse material, according to reports from British and American media.
The 82-year-old man was arrested by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at the senior care facility where he lives in Lakeland, Florida, according to the British newspaper Daily Mail. A Department of Justice official confirmed the detention to Reuters and AFP, but did not specify the reason for the arrest or whether Markle faces formal charges before a court.
According to the Daily Mail, the detention is related to allegations of possession of child sexual abuse images. In early October, reports emerged that such material had been found in a warehouse in Tijuana, Mexico, as well as among belongings Thomas Markle left at his former residence in the Philippines.
Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan Markle’s half-brother, reportedly found the photographs of child sexual abuse in boxes and belongings of his father at a former family property in Cebu, Philippines. The material was handed over to Philippine authorities, who opened an investigation to determine its origin and who was responsible for the devices on which it was found.
So far, Thomas Markle has denied the allegations and called them lies, according to statements reported by international media.
In October, Meghan Markle said she was “deeply distressed” by the accusations against her father and expressed concern for any minors who may have been affected. The former actress also explained that she had decided to keep Thomas Markle away from her children because of earlier allegations she found troubling.
Meghan recalled that in 2018 she received information about accusations against her father, which were reported to the London Metropolitan Police. She said she had been assured they would be investigated, and that her decision to keep her distance from her father was intended to protect her children.
Thomas Markle had distanced himself from his daughter before her wedding to Prince Harry, held in May 2018 at Windsor Castle.
