Worker at US embassy in London investigated over abuse images is senior Air Force member
The BBC has been told Lt Col Michael Morris, who was flown out of the UK before being questioned by police, is under investigation.
A US embassy employee in London who was accused of possessing and distributing child sex abuse material and left the UK before British police could question him is a senior member of the US Air Force, the BBC has learned.
The BBC understands the man is Lieutenant Colonel Michael Morris, who served as an assistant military attaché at the embassy in south-west London.
He was interviewed by American authorities after investigators alleged that his US-based brother, Benjamin Morris, had shared child abuse material with him.
Benjamin Morris, 33, is due to stand trial in the US state of Illinois on charges of possessing and disseminating child sexual abuse material, which he denies.
Rock Island County State Attorney Dora Villareal told the BBC that the allegations against Benjamin Morris concern a period between March and April 2026.
His brother, Lt Col Michael Morris, was removed from the UK in August on a civilian flight without first being questioned by British police.
Although he was not a diplomat, it is understood he was covered by diplomatic protection.
In September, the US embassy confirmed to the BBC that authorities were investigating the allegations and said the staff member had been reassigned to the US while the inquiry continued.
A spokesperson for the US Air Force has since told the BBC: "Charges have been preferred against Lt Col Michael Morris, currently assigned to the Air Force District of Washington.
"The charges and evidence will be reviewed to determine whether the case should be tried by court-martial."
The US Air Force said "charges are merely allegations and the Department of the Air Force member is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty".
The spokesperson added that a military hearing was scheduled for November at Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC, and that Lt Col Morris would only enter a plea if the case is sent to court-martial - a formal military criminal trial.
The US Embassy in London had earlier said it "expects all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and we take these allegations seriously", adding that it "quickly informed UK law enforcement and took swift action".
The Metropolitan Police said: "We have been liaising regularly with the US authorities since they made us aware on Tuesday, 25 August of their investigation into suspected offences relating to indecent images of children.
"We are aware that charges have been brought in the US in relation to this case and that legal proceedings are ongoing. We remain in contact with the US authorities".
A spokesperson for the UK government said: "We expect all foreign diplomats in the UK to abide by our laws, in the same way we expect all UK diplomats to do so when posted overseas.
"As a US investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage."
The BBC understands the government remains in close contact with the US Embassy, including at ministerial level.