Despite reports of a dementia diagnosis, Thomas Markle Sr. was still taken into custody by the FBI. The 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan Markle was arrested in Florida on Friday, Nov. 6, just days after reportedly moving into a memory care facility. He now faces federal charges related to the alleged possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to PBS, citing an Associated Press report, Markle has been charged with one federal count in California and was expected to appear before a judge in Tampa. FBI agents reportedly took the former television lighting director into custody at his senior living facility in Lakeland, Florida. His reported transition into dementia care had raised concerns about whether his cognitive condition could affect the possibility of criminal proceedings.
Nevertheless, federal prosecutors are proceeding with the case.
“Mr. Markle is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, including photographs depicting himself with minor girls,” First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement. “These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr. Markle to the fullest extent of federal law.”
The arrest follows troubling discoveries reported in two different countries. In the Philippines, Markle’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed he uncovered “hundreds, if not thousands” of suspected child sexual abuse images while clearing out his father’s former home in Cebu. He subsequently alerted Philippine authorities and the FBI.
Meanwhile, investigators in Mexico reportedly searched a storage unit previously rented by Markle Sr., recovering electronic devices and other materials for forensic examination.
However, the investigation in the Philippines has taken another unexpected turn.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla identified 60-year-old Thomas Jr. as a person of interest after a witness alleged that underage girls had been brought to a property linked to the investigation.
“To accuse the father only is only half the police work,” Remulla said, according to News5 Philippines. “There are signs that point that the son is involved in the crime as well but only as a person of interest so far.”
Authorities were quick to clarify that Thomas Jr. has not been named a suspect.
Meanwhile, Markle Sr. has strongly denied the allegations, previously dismissing them as “sick lies.” He also accused his son of making false claims against him.
His arrest comes less than a week after reports emerged that he had moved into a Florida facility specializing in dementia care. Former FBI agent Jason Pack previously told Page Six that “a dementia diagnosis doesn’t automatically prevent an arrest if investigators have probable cause.”
Any concerns about Markle’s mental capacity to stand trial would have to be addressed through a separate legal evaluation.
The federal case has also brought renewed attention to Meghan’s longstanding estrangement from her father, a subject that has frequently attracted scrutiny from the British press.
According to The Sunday Times, Meghan reportedly wanted to speak publicly about earlier allegations in 2019 but was advised by a royal protection officer, “Leave it with us, we’ll investigate it.”
Scotland Yard’s failure to pass those allegations on to authorities overseas is now the subject of an independent investigation.
Meghan, who shares Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with Prince Harry, previously said she was “deeply distressed” by the allegations.
“I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” she said, explaining that keeping her children away from their grandfather was a decision she made to protect them.
