State Rep. RJ May Indicted on Federal Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
COLUMBIA, S.C. — U.S. prosecutors have issued a 10-count federal indictment against Rep. Robert John “RJ” May III, 38, of West Columbia, charging him with distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The indictment alleges that in spring 2024, under the online alias “joebidennnn69,” May used the messaging app Kik to exchange at least 220 graphic files featuring minors in sexual conduct over a five-day period. Forensic evidence reportedly connects the account to May’s home IP address and personal electronic devices.
The case originated from a tip in April 2024 when Kik flagged suspicious content to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators later determined that at least 10 of the flagged videos had been shared from the “joebidennnn69” account.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at May’s home in August 2024, seizing dozens of electronic devices, including phones, laptops, tablets, and thumb drives.
At his arraignment, May pleaded not guilty. He was ordered to remain detained without bond due to the seriousness of the charges, the volume of alleged evidence, and concerns regarding the safety of his children. Each count carries a possible sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
May’s attorney suggested in court that someone else might have accessed his Wi-Fi network and challenged the attribution of the Kik activity.
Investigators also reviewed social accounts on Telegram, Mega, and Loki Messenger that were deleted shortly before the home search.
May was elected in 2020 as a Republican representing District 88 and co-founded the South Carolina House Freedom Caucus. He had been an outspoken advocate for child protection legislation.
