Doria Ragland helped FBI identify Thomas Markle Sr. in disturbing child sex abuse photos as part of an investigation that preceded his arrest in Florida on Friday, according to a report. The 70-year-old former social worker is the mother of Meghan Markle and the ex-wife of Thomas Markle Sr.
People reported Sunday that Ragland assisted authorities in identifying her former husband in the images. The report also said Meghan, 45, is willing to help investigators if needed.
Arrest at Lakeland Care Facility
Thomas Markle Sr. was arrested on a child pornography charge while at the Maravida Senior Living care home in Lakeland, Florida. The arrest followed searches of his storage units on Oct. 30 and Nov. 4, according to the report.
He appeared in court on Friday and was released back to the dementia care facility. The conditions of his release bar him from contact with minors and require electronic monitoring.
The Sun reported that the alleged images of Thomas Markle Sr. were found in a California rental unit and appeared to date from his 30s or 40s. The outlet also reported that the alleged offenses could stretch back five decades, before Meghan was born.
Family History and Investigation
Thomas Markle Sr. and Ragland married in 1979 and divorced in 1987. Their daughter Meghan was born in 1981. Thomas Markle Sr. also has two children from a previous marriage, Samantha and Thomas Markle Jr.
He had already been under investigation in the Philippines over allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse material. Thomas Markle Jr. turned him over to authorities, according to the report.
Thomas Markle Jr. previously told the Sun he was horrified when he found the material and felt he had no choice but to report his father.
Meghan told Page Six she was deeply disturbed by the allegations and said they led to the estranged relationship with her father. Before the arrest, she said her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed and expressed hope that the safety and protection of innocent children would remain the priority.
Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the allegations, calling them sick lies. He told the Daily Mail the claims were nonsense and said he had no idea why his son was trying to destroy him with what he described as lies.
