Ragland, who was married to Thomas Sr. from 1979 to 1987, helped investigators identify him in suspected child sexual abuse images obtained by authorities

NEED TO KNOW

• Meghan Markle’s mom Doria Ragland helped federal investigators identify Thomas Markle Sr. in suspected child sexual abuse images
• The images were reportedly among materials recovered from storage units Thomas Sr. rented in the Los Angeles area
• Meghan is prepared to assist authorities investigating her estranged father, who could receive up to 20 years in prison

Meghan Markle’s mom Doria Ragland helped authorities identify Thomas Markle Sr. in some of the disturbing images found amid the ongoing probe into his alleged illegal activities, which include child sexual abuse allegations.

PEOPLE understands that Ragland, 70, has assisted federal investigators in their investigation into her ex-husband, Thomas Sr., who was arrested by the FBI in Florida on Friday, Nov. 6, on a child pornography charge. This includes helping to identify Thomas Sr., 82, in photographs obtained by authorities. 

PEOPLE also understands that the Duchess of Sussex, 45, is prepared to assist the FBI and any other authorities investigating her estranged father.

The Sun reported Saturday, Nov. 7, that Ragland, a former social worker, was shown redacted versions of the suspected child sexual abuse images and helped identify Thomas Markle Sr. as the man pictured.

According to the federal complaint, a witness who had known Thomas Sr. for decades identified him in two photographs. The publicly available complaint does not name that witness.

The Sun reported that investigators believe Thomas Sr. was in his 30s or 40s when the photographs were taken, suggesting they may date to a time when Meghan was very young or even before she was born.

Thomas Sr. and Ragland married in 1979, welcomed Meghan in 1981 and divorced in 1987.

The images Ragland viewed were reportedly among materials recovered from storage units Thomas Sr. rented in the Los Angeles area for almost two decades, in which the Justice Department previously said he allegedly kept “sexually explicit photographs of himself with prepubescent girls.”

Authorities searched the units after a witness signed an affidavit alleging that Thomas Sr. had suspected child sex abuse materials in his home in the Philippines and had rented a storage unit in L.A.

Meghan’s estranged father was arrested Nov. 6, and charged with one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. 

He did not enter a plea during his subsequent Friday court appearance in Tampa, Fla., and was subsequently released on his own recognizance to Maravida Senior Living care home in Lakeland, Fla., where he was first taken into custody. His arraignment will take place in California at an unspecified date. 

Thomas Sr. “is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, including photographs depicting himself with minor girls,” according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

“These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr. Markle to the fullest extent of federal law,” Essayli said in a statement.

If found guilty, Thomas Sr. could face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

The Sun reported in October that Thomas Markle Jr., who is Meghan’s half-brother, alleged to authorities that his father had “hundreds, if not thousands” of child sex abuse images in his home in the Philippines.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Although a representative for the Duchess of Sussex did not provide a comment following Thomas Sr.’s arrest, Meghan previously said in a statement to PEOPLE that she was “deeply distressed” by the allegations against her father, and referenced a letter she said London’s Metropolitan Police received in 2018.

“That letter was subsequently shared with me,” she said. “It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father, and I was given assurances that these were being investigated.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

#Meghan #Markles #Mom #Doria #Ragland #Helped #FBI #Identify #ExHusband #Thomas #Markle #Disturbing #Photos