South Carolina GOP lawmaker indicted for explicit content involving children – We Got This Covered

In a case that’s equal parts disturbing and surreal, South Carolina Republican Rep. R.J. May III—yes, that R.J. May, the self-proclaimed defender of family values—has been federally indicted on charges of distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to federal investigators, the Lexington County lawmaker allegedly shared the illegal content using online pseudonyms. One of the usernames that triggered a wave of raised eyebrows across the political spectrum? “joebidennnn69.” You can’t make this stuff up.

The shocking charges

The indictment, handed down June 12, hits May with 10 felony counts of distributing CSAM. Each count carries 5 to 20 years in prison. If convicted on all charges, the once-rising conservative star could face up to 200 years behind bars.

Prosecutors say May used the chat platform Kik to circulate the material. The platform flagged his account in 2024 and tipped off the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which quickly alerted Homeland Security. Authorities traced the activity to May’s IP address and seized three dozen electronic devices from his home during a raid.

The Colombia connection

But the plot darkens further: In a shocking addendum reported by the Associated Press, federal investigators say May is also under scrutiny for alleged crimes abroad. According to court filings, May traveled to Colombia in 2023, where he allegedly paid a minor for sex.

While he hasn’t yet been formally charged for the Colombia allegations, prosecutors say they’re pursuing leads related to potential international sex tourism laws, which carry severe federal penalties.

Let’s recap: A sitting GOP lawmaker, who railed against “cultural rot” and claimed to protect kids, is now under investigation for child exploitation on two continents.

A platform on “protecting children”

This is where things get hard to stomach. May, a member of the South Carolina House since 2020, built his brand on defending children and fighting what he often labeled as “cultural perversion.” He frequently targeted LGBTQ+ policies, especially in schools, and once warned that “our kids are under attack.”

Now, he’s been expelled from the South Carolina Freedom Caucus—a group he helped launch—and suspended without pay. Fellow Republicans, including House Speaker Murrell Smith, wasted no time distancing themselves from the scandal.

Who Is R.J. May?

R.J. May is a 38-year-old political consultant and father of two. A fixture in South Carolina’s far-right political circles, May gained notoriety for pushing primary challenges against fellow Republicans he didn’t find conservative enough.

He was re-elected in 2024 with strong backing from grassroots groups—but it turns out, while he was waving the morality flag in public, federal agents say he was living a very different life online.

What’s Next?

May made his first appearance in federal court last week. No public statement has come from his legal team, and bond was reportedly denied. The next steps could include a formal trial—unless a plea deal comes first. And yes, he still technically holds office. Though at this rate, even his seat might need disinfecting.

If you know someone suffering from sexual violence, contact RAINN or the National Sexual Abuse Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673