The U.S. Department of Justice has released new details in the case of Thomas Markle, who was arrested in Florida on Friday (06/11) by the FBI. The 82-year-old father of Meghan Markle is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material.
Read also: Thomas Markle: Meghan Markle’s father arrested on child pornography charges
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, federal agents seized approximately 78 items from two storage units in the Los Angeles area, including slides, photographic film negatives, and books containing suspected child sexual abuse material.
The father of the Duchess of Sussex now faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence following his arrest. Court documents accompanying the criminal complaint state that two of the images depict an adult male — identified by a witness as the 82-year-old — alongside a nude minor girl.
It should be noted that the defendant has not yet been found guilty. U.S. authorities have clarified that these are allegations and evidence that remain subject to the ongoing criminal investigation.
Video of Thomas Markle’s arrest
Meanwhile, footage of the moment FBI agents escorted Markle has been made public.
🛎️HANDCUFFED THOMAS MARKLE IN A WHEELCHAIR BEING LED AWAY BY FBI AGENTS The 82-year-old was ARRESTED at Maravida Senior Living care home in Lakeland, Florida, after troves of indecent materials were discovered at locations connected to Markle in the Philippines and Mexico. https://t.co/AiaWcDKLbV
— James Goddard (@JamesPGoddard90) November 6, 2026
Thomas Markle’s arrest: Statement from the FBI director
Federal agencies acted swiftly in response to the arrest of Meghan Markle’s father, as confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel.
“Mr. Markle allegedly targeted innocent children and attempted to rob them of their innocence through his criminal actions. Working alongside the Department of Justice, our agents moved quickly, located the material in question, and arrested Mr. Markle in Florida,” Patel stated.
“The FBI will use every tool available to protect innocent children. No predator who targets children will find safe harbor in this country or anywhere else they attempt to hide,” he added, sending a powerful message regarding the fight against child sexual exploitation.
The storage unit searches that broke the case open
According to the Department of Justice, agents conducted searches of two storage units that Thomas Markle had been renting in the Los Angeles area since 2008.
Following the issuance of search warrants, investigators located and seized approximately 78 items alleged to contain child sexual abuse material.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli commented on the case: “Mr. Markle is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, including photographs that allegedly depict him alongside underage girls.”
He went on to emphasize the gravity of the charges, adding: “We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent permitted by federal law.”
