Meghan's father charged with child abuse material

Markle arrested on federal charges

Thomas Markle, eighty-two, has been arrested in Florida on a federal complaint alleging he possessed images showing child sex abuse, the US Department of Justice said.

Court hearing and conditions

At a thirty-minute court hearing on Friday, Markle was ordered to submit to electronic monitoring at his assisted living facility. He was brought into court in a wheelchair, escorted by two US Marshals.

FBI search and seized items

The FBI searched storage units in Los Angeles registered to Markle, which he had rented since two thousand eight.Agents seized about seventy-eight items, including film negatives, slides and books allegedly containing child sex abuse material.

Images identified as decades old

Witnesses positively identified Markle in two images believed to contain child sex abuse material. The man pictured appears to be in his thirties to forties, suggesting the alleged abuse dates back decades.

Philippines investigation and letter

Last month, police in the Philippines obtained a warrant to examine devices from Markle's former home. In October, London's Metropolitan Police confirmed it received a letter in two thousand nineteen making claims relating to Markle.

Meghan's response and estrangement

The Duchess of Sussex said she was deeply distressed at the news and her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed. Meghan has been estranged from her father since two thousand eighteen.

“I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last twenty-four hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.”