Thomas Markle arrested in Florida amid investigation into alleged abuse material

Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle’s father, was reported arrested in Florida by federal agents over allegations involving child sexual abuse material. The specific federal charges were not immediately made public in the supplied reports. Authorities in the Philippines are investigating alleged material found on devices, while Markle has denied possessing it.

• Reports said federal agents arrested Thomas Markle outside Tampa, Florida, on Friday; the specific charges had not been made public in the reports.· 2 sources
• The investigation followed a report by Thomas Markle Jr that he found alleged material among belongings at his father’s former home in the Philippines. Philippine authorities said they recovered about 7,500 photographs and one video from devices linked to the inquiry, but the findings do not establish who owned or distributed the material.· 1 source
• Reports also describe a separate cache of material allegedly examined in Mexico. Markle has denied possessing child sexual abuse images and rejected the allegations.· 2 sources
• Meghan Markle said she was deeply distressed by the allegations and said a letter about her father had been sent to London police in 2018. She said her decision to prevent him from contacting her children was intended to protect them.· 2 sources