SC Rep. RJ May Indicted on Child Sex Abuse Charges

South Carolina State Representative RJ May, a prominent conservative and co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus, has been indicted on 10 federal counts of distributing child sexual abuse material. The indictment followed a yearlong investigation that began after the Kik social messaging app flagged videos uploaded from the username 'joebidennnn69,' which investigators traced to May’s home IP and mobile device. Authorities seized multiple electronic devices from May’s residence, and evidence included his recent international travel to Colombia, where he reportedly engaged with youthful sex workers. U.S. Magistrate Judge Shiva Hodges denied May bond, citing him as a flight risk and danger to the community, while May pleaded not guilty to all charges. South Carolina law requires May’s suspension from office pending the resolution of the charges, and the House Freedom Caucus has called for his immediate resignation. If convicted, May faces five to 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.