82-Year-Old Thomas Markle Arrested in Florida
FBI agents detained the father of Meghan Markle at a senior living facility in Lakeland, Florida, amid a multi-country investigation into alleged child abuse material.
By Daphne Turner ·
Federal agents arrested Thomas Markle at the Maravida Senior Living facility in Lakeland, Florida, on Friday morning. The 82-year-old father of Meghan Markle was taken into custody by the FBI. Agents charged him with possession of child abuse sexual material.
The arrest followed a months-long inquiry that spanned the United States, Mexico, and the Philippines. A half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., reported the case to Philippine authorities. He stated that he found thousands of images of child abuse on computers and phones. The devices were stored in four large boxes at a home in Cebu, Philippines. That residence was occupied by Thomas Markle until he returned to the United States in May.
The FBI confirmed it is aware of the accusations and will assist Philippine investigators. The agency also stated it will look into any potential federal violations of U.S. law. The investigation began after Daily Mail reporters allegedly found material in a storage apartment in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. The apartment was rented by Markle Sr.
Reporters claimed the unit contained books on pedophilia, magazines showing minors being abused, and family photographs. They also reported finding 35-millimeter negatives, seven hard drives, and more than 50 video tapes. On Nov. 3, the Baja California Attorney General confirmed a search warrant was executed at a storage unit linked to Markle Sr. The search was part of an investigation into the storage of child pornography images.
In a previous statement to the Daily Mail, Thomas Markle denied owning such images. He described the accusations against him as sick lies. Meghan Markle released a statement saying she was aware of the concerning and disturbing accusations. She noted that this information is why she has kept her children, Archie and Lilibet, away from their grandfather.
The Maravida Senior Living facility is located in Lakeland, Florida. Markle Sr. has lived in the United States since May. The FBI is coordinating with local and international partners to review the digital and physical evidence collected in the Philippines and Mexico.
