Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, has been charged with possession of child pornography after his own son reported him to authorities, according to federal court documents unsealed Friday.
The 82-year-old was arrested in Lakeland, Florida, following an FBI investigation that allegedly uncovered dozens of items containing child sexual abuse material in storage units in Los Angeles. Prosecutors say the evidence includes slides, film negatives, and books depicting prepubescent girls, with at least two images allegedly showing Markle himself with a nude minor.
Son Turns Father In
Thomas Markle Jr. told The Sun he made the difficult decision to report his father after years of supporting him financially and emotionally. “I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now,” he said. “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”
Royal Family Fallout
The Duchess of Sussex addressed the allegations in an October statement, saying she had previously reported concerns about her father to British authorities in 2018. “I hope it can now be understood that… any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them,” Meghan said.
If convicted, Thomas Markle faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A magistrate judge released him to home detention with electronic monitoring while he awaits trial, restricting his travel to parts of Florida and California.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/meghan-markles-dad-faces-federal-charge-after-son-turns-him-in