78 suspected abuse-material items found as unsealed Thomas Markle docs detail horrifying child abuse allegations against 82-year-old
What investigators say they found
The FBI seized 78 items containing suspected child pornography from two storage units registered to Markle in California’s Central District, according to a complaint filed Friday by special agent Laura Carter. The units were in the Los Angeles area, and Markle had rented them for nearly 20 years, the unsealed documents say.
The complaint describes images showing sexual abuse of a female who appeared to be prepubescent. Investigators identified the man in images as Markle, citing confirmation from people who have known him since the 1970s.
Arrest and court appearance
Federal agents arrested Markle on Friday at the Maravida Senior Living care home in Lakeland, Florida, according to The Post. He was due to make his first court appearance at 1:30 p.m. in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said prosecutors would pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law. He said agents had located the material and arrested Markle, while FBI Director Kash Patel also issued a statement Friday.
Family claims and responses
Markle’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., said in October that he had found alleged child abuse material in his father’s home in the Philippines and given it to authorities. He claimed the boxes held hundreds or possibly thousands of images, including some he said showed girls aged 10 or 11 in sex acts.
Samantha Markle accused her brother of seeking revenge against their father. Meghan Markle said she was deeply distressed by the allegations, but she and Prince Harry did not issue a further comment on the arrest; Meghan’s half-siblings also remained silent.
Philippine inquiry into son
Thomas Markle Jr. was named as a person of interest in the investigation during a Thursday news conference. Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities would examine whether the son was involved.
Remulla cited a witness who allegedly said underage girls were brought to the son’s home. He said investigating the father alone would leave part of the police work unfinished.
Key points
- The FBI says it seized 78 items containing suspected child pornography from two storage units linked to Thomas Markle Sr.
- The complaint says investigators identified Markle in some of the images.
- Markle was arrested in Florida and was scheduled for a federal court appearance in Tampa.
- Philippine officials said Thomas Markle Jr. was a person of interest and that his possible role would be investigated.