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FBI arrests Thomas Markle over child abuse material charge

Published

The 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan Markle faces one federal count of possessing child sexual abuse material. A court in Tampa ordered him released to await trial on home detention and electronic monitoring. No plea has been entered.

The FBI arrested Markle in Florida on Friday. Agents had seized about 78 items from two storage units he has rented in the Los Angeles area since 2008. The items included slides, film negatives and books. The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.

An FBI affidavit said at least two film frames showed a man with a nude pre-pubescent girl. It said a witness identified the man as Markle. Markle denied the accusations in comments to a British newspaper and called them untrue lies.

FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement that Markle allegedly targeted innocent children. Meghan Markle said she was deeply distressed by the allegations. Reports said authorities in the Philippines began investigating Markle over similar allegations.

Key facts

Who
Thomas Markle (Estranged father of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex; charged with possession…); Kash Patel (FBI director); Meghan Markle (Duchess of Sussex, daughter of Thomas Markle); US District Court in Los Angeles (Court where criminal complaint was filed)
What
The FBI arrested Thomas Markle, 82, in Florida on a federal charge of possession of child pornography after agents seized about 78 items from two Los Angeles-area storage units. He made an initial court appearance in Tampa and was ordered released to await trial on home detention and electronic monitoring; no plea has been entered.
When
7 November 2026
Where
California, Florida, Philippines
Status
Reported

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