Meghan Markle's father arrested on child abuse material charges
Thomas Markle Sr, 82, was arrested and charged with having child sexual abuse material.
Meghan Markle's estranged father is Thomas Markle Sr. The FBI arrested him in Lakeland, Florida, on Friday. Mr Markle was charged with one count of having child abuse material.
US prosecutors say he kept sexually explicit photographs in two Los Angeles storage units. He rented these units since 2008.
Federal agents took about 80 items from the units. These included photographs, slides and film negatives.
Thomas Markle Sr is expected to appear in US District Court in Tampa. The maximum penalty is 20 years in federal prison.
Mr Markle has denied the allegations, calling them "sick lies". An affidavit states law enforcement first learned of suspected material while Mr Markle was in the Philippines.
Investigators later found the storage units in California.
- 82 years old
- Age at arrest
- Rented since 2008
- Storage unit history
- About 80 items
- Items seized
- 20 years in federal prison
- Maximum sentence
Why it mattersThe arrest and charges bring serious legal consequences. This is a major development in a high-profile family case now in the US criminal justice system.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, though the case will likely draw significant media attention in Australia given Meghan Markle's connection to the British royal family and her high profile in Australian media.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
