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South Carolina Lawmaker Indicted for Sharing Child Exploitation Material Using Biden-Themed Account
A South Carolina state representative has been indicted on serious federal charges involving child sexual abuse material. Robert John “RJ” May III, a Republican from Lexington, allegedly used a messaging app with a Biden-themed username to circulate disturbing content.
The indictment, issued by a federal grand jury in Greenville, South Carolina, includes ten counts against May for distributing child sexual abuse material, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
Investigation Triggers Federal Charges
The investigation was set in motion in April 2024 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber-tip. This tip originated from the social media platform Kik, flagging videos under the username “joebidennnn69” that contained explicit child sexual abuse material, as outlined in court documents.
Connection to May’s Residence
Authorities quickly connected the alarming account to May’s West Columbia home. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, investigators tracked the account back to May’s home IP address and mobile device. The investigation unveiled at least ten videos depicting egregious acts that were shared from this account.
Arrest and Legal Consequences
Federal agents arrested May at his residence on Wednesday, as reported by local news outlets. If convicted, the 38-year-old faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, carrying a minimum of five years. Additionally, he may encounter a hefty fine of $250,000 and undergo at least five years of supervised release following any prison term.
May’s Background and Political Standing
As a father of two young children, May’s involvement in state politics is noteworthy. He was already serving on the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee prior to these serious allegations. His political career took a decisive turn following this indictment.
The South Carolina Freedom Caucus, an organization in which May co-founded and served as vice chair, has called for his immediate resignation from the House. This group emphasized their commitment to the rule of law and child protection in their request.
Statement from the Freedom Caucus
The South Carolina Freedom Caucus released a statement: “The South Carolina Freedom Caucus stands firmly for the rule of law and the protection of children. Although the formal charges have not yet been made public, all indications are that these indictments will be for child sex abuse materials. These crimes are heinous, and we expect that they will be fully investigated. We pray justice is served.”
Notably, the caucus mentioned that May has not participated in their operations since August 2024, after being expelled from the group due to undisclosed reasons.
Importance of Thorough Investigation
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a crucial agency focused on combating child exploitation and related offenses. The seriousness of the allegations underlines the significance of a detailed inquiry into May’s actions and the broader implications.
As developments unfold, authorities remind the public that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations. Individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
Dayne Phillips, an attorney reportedly representing May, has not responded yet to request for comments regarding the case. Legal experts predict that May’s trial could draw significant media attention, considering the high-profile nature of the accusations and his position as a state lawmaker.
The lawn surrounding child exploitation remains a critical focus for law enforcement, highlighting the essential roles of local and federal agencies in bringing accusations to light and ensuring justice.
