Thomas Markle Sr. arrested by FBI in child sexual abuse material investigation

FLORIDA — Thomas Wayne Markle Sr., 82, the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was arrested by the FBI in Florida on Friday, November 6, 2026, amid an investigation into alleged possession of child sexual abuse material. The Associated Press reported that U.S. authorities charged him with possession of the material. Markle has denied the allegations.

A federal criminal complaint identifies the alleged offense as possession of child pornography under 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B), with an alleged offense date of October 30, 2026. Child sexual abuse material, commonly abbreviated CSAM, is the term used in this article; the quoted charge name is the terminology in the federal statute. A criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish guilt. Markle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

According to the FBI affidavit, investigators received information from multiple witnesses in October concerning suspected material linked to Markle. The document describes the investigation of storage units in the Central District of California. It says agents obtained a federal warrant on November 4 to search a second unit, and records indicated Markle had rented that unit since approximately June 2008. Investigators cited rental records, correspondence and an identification document as evidence connecting him to the unit.

The American case follows an investigation in the Philippines involving material reportedly discovered at Markle’s former home in Cebu. According to ABC News’ October 23 report, his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reported suspected images to Philippine police. The Philippine Department of Justice said its anti-trafficking and online child exploitation investigators were examining the matter. At that stage, an FBI official told ABC News the bureau would support Philippine authorities and investigate any related violations of U.S. federal law.

Markle previously rejected his son’s accusations in comments to the Daily Mail, as reported by ABC News. He also disputed his connection to the computers, saying they had not been in his possession since he left Rosarito, Mexico, in January 2025. Those statements preceded Friday’s arrest.

Meghan said in an October statement that she was distressed by the reports and concerned for any children who might have been harmed. She also said a letter containing troubling allegations about her father had been shared with her in 2018. Her statement does not constitute a court finding about the current charge.

This report reflects information available November 6, 2026. No conviction or sentencing outcome is reported here.

Official Justice Department announcement — November 6, 2026: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California confirmed the arrest and one federal possession charge. Prosecutors say FBI agents searched two Los Angeles-area storage units rented by Markle since 2008 and seized approximately 78 items, including slides, film negatives and books containing suspected child sexual abuse material. The announcement includes statements from FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Los Angeles leadership. Markle was expected to appear in federal court in Tampa on November 6. Prosecutors state that the charge carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison if he is convicted. These are allegations; Markle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Read the official DOJ announcement and FBI statements.

Sources: Federal criminal complaint and FBI affidavit; Associated Press arrest report; ABC News investigation background and responses, October 23.

Court document: Read or download the federal criminal complaint and FBI affidavit (PDF). The document contains allegations, not findings of guilt.