Thomas Markle Sr. has reportedly been moved to a “dementia care home” as part of the ongoing investigation into his alleged possession of child pornography.
Meghan Markle’s 82-year-old father was photographed in a wheelchair pushed by caregivers in Lakeland, Florida, on Friday.
According to the Sun, he has been diagnosed with dementia and is in a facility specializing in “dementia care”.
Thomas’ alleged “cognitive issues” could hamper the FBI’s child pornography investigation, a source told the outlet.
Meghan’s rep did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
The Duchess of Sussex’s father, notably, lived in the Philippines until earlier this year, when he returned to America.
His move followed a stroke, which led to a blood clot and the amputation of the former lighting director’s left leg below the knee.
His daughter Samantha Markle said in May that he had moved to pursue “continuing medical care” in the United States.
News broke five months later that Thomas was under investigation for possession of child pornography after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., allegedly found “hundreds, if not thousands” of images of child sexual abuse in the Cebu home his father had left.
The 60-year-old reported his father to authorities and went public with his allegations, which Thomas Sr. called “bullshit.”
In a statement last week, he insisted: “I could never do what I’m accused of… It’s just a bunch of sick lies.” »
Samantha, 61, supported Thomas Sr. and accused her brother of seeking “revenge” with his claims.
A Daily Mail reporter later made allegations that other “vile” documents were found in Thomas’s abandoned storage unit in Mexico.
Page Six confirmed that officials obtained a warrant in the Philippines to search Thomas’ digital devices.
The Department of Justice Regional Prosecutor’s Office VII (Central Visayas, Philippines) tells us that “appropriate legal action may be taken” if there is “sufficient evidence to identify any person who may be held responsible.”
Meghan, 45, released a single statement on the scandal, writing, in part, that she is “deeply distressed” by the news.
As we learn that her husband Prince Harry’s royals will likely distance themselves from the couple and not “get involved” in the affair, Prince William and Kate Middleton found themselves in the headlines on Friday.
The Daily Mail reported that the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, were informed of a letter sent to police in 2019 – and, later, passed to Meghan Markle – accusing Thomas Sr. of child sexual abuse.
Sources close to the Palace, however, insisted to Page Six that these claims were false.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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