Thomas Markle Charged After FBI Finds Images in Storage Units

Published: November 6, 2026

Thomas Markle, 82, was charged with possessing child pornography after investigators found images of child sexual abuse in storage units he had rented, according to a newly filed criminal complaint. FBI agents arrested him on November 6 at a rehabilitation center in Lakeland, Florida, where he had been living after the amputation of his lower left leg.

The complaint describes two photographs from decades ago showing Markle with nude girls. In one, a girl is sitting on his lap; in the other, he is on a bed with a nude girl in front of him. The images were found during an investigation that included searches of his home in the Philippines and storage facilities.

Investigators also found two storage units in Los Angeles that Markle had rented. He lived in the area until moving to Mexico in 2011. The investigation began after images were discovered in a storage unit near his home in Mexico and the information was passed to the FBI.

Markle has denied the allegations, calling them “sick lies.” When asked whether he was a pedophile during his arrest, he answered, “No.” His daughter, the Duchess of Sussex, expressed profound anguish over the claims.

If convicted of the charge, Markle could face up to 10 years in prison.