Meghan Markle’s Father Arrested Over Allegations He Possessed Child Sex Abuse Images

Meghan Markle‘s father, Thomas Markle Sr., has been arrested over allegations he possessed child sex abuse images, according to CBS News.

The 82-year-old was arrested in Florida on Friday in connection with allegations that emerged last month, three sources confirmed to CBS News, though the case remains sealed.

Last month, Thomas Markle vehemently denied the allegations to the Daily Mail, calling them “a bunch of lies” and adding: “I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.”

In a statement at the time, the Duchess of Sussex said: “I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.” She claimed that in 2018, a letter about her father was sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit and was “subsequently shared” with her.

“It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” Meghan said. “I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years, 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. I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families.”

The FBI also issued a statement saying that they were “aware of the allegations and will provide support, as appropriate, to the Philippine authorities. We will also investigate any related allegations of federal violations of U.S. law.”

Representatives for Meghan Markle and the FBI did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment on Thomas Markle Sr.’s arrest.