Thomas Markle Sr. could be calling prison home for the rest of his life after his arrest for possession of child pornography.
Shari Karney, a national legal analyst and attorney, exclusively told Page Six, “Federal child pornography possession sentences can be substantial. Recent federal sentencing statistics put the average possession sentence at approximately 83 months — nearly seven years behind bars.”
The attorney and survivor’s rights advocate continued, “Twenty years behind bars could effectively mean Thomas Markle dies in federal custody. At 82, even a five- or ten-year sentence could amount to a life sentence.”
According to a press release from the Department of Justice, Markle “would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.”
In the criminal complaint obtained by Page Six, Markle appeared in two of the images alongside an underage girl. The filing claims a witness identified him as the adult in the photographs.
Karney said this alleged evidence could “raise questions investigators must pursue.”
Markle could use his dementia diagnosis to help shorten his sentence, as the attorney explained, “His age, dementia, amputation, and other serious medical problems could significantly affect sentencing. A defense attorney will undoubtedly argue that a lengthy prison term would be tantamount to a death sentence.
“Being elderly, disabled, or the father of a duchess does not confer immunity from criminal prosecution. The law does not have a royal-family exception.”
If convicted, his health issues could influence placement in the federal prison system as well.
“The Bureau of Prisons is legally obligated to address serious medical needs, and Markle’s condition could require specialized medical care,” the attorney explained.
Markle appeared in court Friday — just hours after he was arrested at the Maravida Senior Living care home in Lakeland, Florida.
The former director of photography of lighting was released back to the senior living facility under the condition that he has no contact with minors.
Markle’s accusations first came to light last month when Markle Sr.’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., reported to Cebu City authorities in the Philippines he had found a massive stash of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) belonging to his father.
Markle Sr. was never arrested in the Philippines and the investigation was ongoing in coordination with the FBI.
According to the criminal complaint obtained by Page Six, FBI special agents searched two storage units registered to Markle since 2008. His last payments were made by auto-pay in October.
Inside the units, agents seized approximately 78 items — including slides, film negatives, and books that contained suspected child sex abuse material.
His son, Thomas Jr., initially went to the The Sun with the allegations.
At the time of his son’s allegations, Markle Sr. called them “sick lies.”
Daily Mail later reported that one of their reporters found “vile” materials in his abandoned storage unit in Mexico.
Meghan Markle said the investigation left her “deeply disturbed” in a previous statement to Page Six, though she plans to remain silent regarding the arrest.
The Duchess of Sussex and Harry moved from California and now reside in England after moving back to the UK in August. They are set to embark on their first joint overseas trip to Brussels since the move.
Page Six has reached out to reps for Meghan and Harrym, and his ex-wife Doria Ragland for comment.
The post How long Thomas Markle Sr. could serve in prison revealed after child pornography arrest appeared first on Page Six.
