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Saturday, Jun 14, 2025
Outside the box.
South Carolina Lawmaker Arrested on Child Abuse Material Charges
RJ May faces multiple counts of distributing sexual abuse material involving children, raising concerns among colleagues and the public.
RJ May, a Republican member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, has been arrested and charged with ten counts of distributing sexual abuse material involving children.
Prosecutors allege that May used the screen name 'joebidennnn69' to exchange 220 files containing explicit content of toddlers and young children on the Kik social media platform during a five-day period in spring 2024. The arrest occurred at his home in Lexington County following a thorough investigation.
A federal judge ordered May to remain in custody pending trial, given the gravity of the charges.
Each charge against May carries a potential prison sentence ranging from five to twenty years upon conviction, and prosecutors indicated he could face more than a decade in prison if found guilty.
Evidence presented by authorities suggests that the files were uploaded and downloaded using May's home Wi-Fi network and personal cellphone, with some materials concealed through the use of a private network.
At his arraignment, May’s attorney argued that someone else might have misused his Wi-Fi credentials, referencing a board displaying his wife's social media post.
May’s lawyer also claimed that investigators lacked direct evidence linking him to the Kik messages.
Prosecutors opposed bail due to concerns over May's living situation with his wife and young children, particularly as some materials implicated children of a similar age.
Investigators are examining whether May traveled to Colombia three times using an alias, with reports of videos found on his laptop allegedly depicting sexual acts with underage individuals.
It remains unclear if these individuals can be located.
Following the allegations, the Freedom Caucus, a group within the House comprised of the most conservative members, announced May’s expulsion from their ranks.
His fellow lawmakers have distanced themselves amid growing speculation regarding the investigation.
During the legislative session, he was often seen isolated at his desk, interacting with very few colleagues.
The House Speaker has since suspended him from his position.
In a previous debate regarding transgender care for minors, May emphasized the legislative responsibility to protect children from harm.
He also made an impression on the House in 2021 by bringing his son, who elicited smiles and waves from members.
The investigation continues to unfold with significant attention focused on the impacts of the accusations both within the statehouse and the broader community.
Prosecutors allege that May used the screen name 'joebidennnn69' to exchange 220 files containing explicit content of toddlers and young children on the Kik social media platform during a five-day period in spring 2024. The arrest occurred at his home in Lexington County following a thorough investigation.
A federal judge ordered May to remain in custody pending trial, given the gravity of the charges.
Each charge against May carries a potential prison sentence ranging from five to twenty years upon conviction, and prosecutors indicated he could face more than a decade in prison if found guilty.
Evidence presented by authorities suggests that the files were uploaded and downloaded using May's home Wi-Fi network and personal cellphone, with some materials concealed through the use of a private network.
At his arraignment, May’s attorney argued that someone else might have misused his Wi-Fi credentials, referencing a board displaying his wife's social media post.
May’s lawyer also claimed that investigators lacked direct evidence linking him to the Kik messages.
Prosecutors opposed bail due to concerns over May's living situation with his wife and young children, particularly as some materials implicated children of a similar age.
Investigators are examining whether May traveled to Colombia three times using an alias, with reports of videos found on his laptop allegedly depicting sexual acts with underage individuals.
It remains unclear if these individuals can be located.
Following the allegations, the Freedom Caucus, a group within the House comprised of the most conservative members, announced May’s expulsion from their ranks.
His fellow lawmakers have distanced themselves amid growing speculation regarding the investigation.
During the legislative session, he was often seen isolated at his desk, interacting with very few colleagues.
The House Speaker has since suspended him from his position.
In a previous debate regarding transgender care for minors, May emphasized the legislative responsibility to protect children from harm.
He also made an impression on the House in 2021 by bringing his son, who elicited smiles and waves from members.
The investigation continues to unfold with significant attention focused on the impacts of the accusations both within the statehouse and the broader community.
