Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been placed under house detention at his assisted living facility in Florida following charges related to the possession of child sex abuse material. The 82-year-old was arrested on a federal complaint alleging he held such images, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed.

Markle faces one count of possessing indecent images of children. The charges stem from an investigation that involved the FBI searching storage units rented by Markle in Los Angeles since 2008. According to the Department of Justice, agents seized approximately 78 items, including film negatives, slides, and books, which they allege contained child sex abuse material.

During a court hearing on Friday, federal prosecutor Courtenay Derry laid out the charges against Markle. He was brought to court in a wheelchair and escorted by U.S. Marshals. No plea was entered during the hearing, and an arraignment date in California is yet to be set. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not issued any public comments regarding the arrest.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that authorities acted swiftly upon arresting Markle, emphasizing the agency's commitment to protecting children. "Mr. Markle allegedly targeted innocent children and sought to steal their innocence through his criminal actions," Patel said, adding that the FBI would utilize all resources to ensure predators have "zero safe haven."

Witnesses have reportedly identified Markle in two of the images believed to contain child sex abuse material. The man depicted in these images appears to be in his 30s or 40s, suggesting the alleged abuse dates back several decades, given Markle's current age of 82.

Last month, authorities in the Philippines obtained a warrant to examine electronic devices allegedly removed from Markle's former residence there. His half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., handed over four boxes of materials, including computers, phones, and hard drives, to officers.

Markle relocated to the Philippines last year after suffering a series of strokes and resided in Cebu until May. He was reportedly in a Florida rehabilitation center recovering from a leg amputation and learning to walk again.

In October, London's Metropolitan Police confirmed they had received a letter in 2019 detailing allegations against Markle Sr. outside the UK. The Met stated that the information was shared with the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex but not directly with them.