Father of Meghan Markle Arrested in Florida on Suspicion of Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material; Markle Denies Charges

In depth

Thomas Markle, 82, the father of Meghan Markle, was arrested in Florida by FBI agents on suspicion of possessing images and videos of sexual abuse of minors. The arrest took place at the nursing home where he is staying, as part of an investigation opened after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., handed materials he found among his father's belongings to police in the Philippines. More than a dozen agents arrived at the care facility, handcuffed Markle and led him to an ambulance.

As part of the investigation, about 7,500 images of minors were seized, according to the details published. Investigators also seized about 78 items in two storage units Markle rented in the Los Angeles area, based on information received in the investigation in the Philippines. Markle denies the suspicions against him and, according to him, has no connection to the materials.

The prosecutor said the charges were extremely serious and that an effort would be made to bring Markle to trial to the full extent of federal law. Markle appeared in a U.S. court after his arrest and was placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring. Markle is expected to appear in court in Tampa. Meghan, who has been estranged from her father for years, expressed willingness to assist the FBI in the investigation.