South Carolina GOP Lawmaker Arrested on Charges of Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

A Republican member of the South Carolina House, RJ May, has been arrested and charged with 10 counts of distributing child sexual abuse material, under the screen name “joebidennnn69.” Authorities say May was involved in exchanging 220 explicit files depicting toddlers and young children engaged in sexual acts on the Kik social media network in spring 2024. The materials were uploaded and downloaded using May’s home Wi-Fi network and cellphone.

The three-term Republican, who represented Lexington County, was arrested at his home following a lengthy investigation. A federal judge ordered that May remain in jail without bail until his trial. If convicted, May faces a prison sentence of 5 to 20 years per charge, with prosecutors estimating he could spend over a decade behind bars.

Defense Claims Possible Wi-Fi Compromise

At May’s arraignment, his defense attorney suggested that someone else may have gained access to May’s home Wi-Fi network and shared the explicit files. The lawyer also questioned whether investigators were able to directly link the Kik messages to May himself.

Despite the defense’s claims, prosecutors argue that the files were traced back to May’s internet activity and home address. They also expressed concern over May’s living situation, citing that he resides with his wife and young children, some of whom are close in age to the children depicted in the illegal material.

Investigation Into Alleged Paid Sex in Colombia

Prosecutors also detailed an investigation into May’s alleged activities outside the U.S. According to the investigation, May traveled to Colombia under a false name and may have paid for sex with underage women during three separate trips. Video evidence on May’s laptop reportedly showed him engaging with women who appeared to be minors, though authorities have been unable to locate the individuals involved.

May’s lawyer denied the allegations, stating that no child pornography was found on his client’s personal devices.

May’s Political Background and Fallout

May was a rising figure in South Carolina’s Republican Party, having helped establish the Freedom Caucus in 2020—a faction of the House’s most conservative members. He was known for outspoken views on issues such as transgender care for minors, a topic he addressed on the House floor in January 2024. In the wake of his arrest, the Freedom Caucus expelled May from their group, and many of his political allies have distanced themselves from him.

The House Speaker suspended May from his legislative duties following the indictment. May’s political career, which once seemed promising, now hangs in the balance amid the criminal charges.

Personal and Political Fallout

As rumors of the investigation spread through the Statehouse, May’s presence in the 2025 legislative session has been minimal. He was often seen isolated at his desk, largely avoiding interactions with fellow lawmakers.

At his hearing, May appeared in court wearing shorts and a T-shirt, his wrists and ankles shackled. Before being remanded to jail, he appeared to blow a kiss at his wife, who attended the hearing.

May’s legal team has suggested that he could be a target of a political smear campaign, with his attorney pointing out that May has numerous political opponents. However, investigators and agents involved in the case have yet to find any substantial evidence to support claims of political framing.