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A former lawmaker’s shocking betrayal of the public trust has led to a lengthy prison sentence, sparking outrage over his hypocrisy.
Story Snapshot
- Ex-South Carolina legislator RJ May sentenced to 17.5 years for child pornography distribution.
- May was an advocate for child protection laws, yet committed heinous acts against children.
- His politically charged actions have led to severe personal and political consequences.
- The case highlights ongoing concerns about public figures and accountability.
RJ May’s Dual Role: Advocate and Perpetrator
Robert John “RJ” May III, a former state representative from South Carolina, was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While advocating for child protection laws publicly, May shared 220 files of CSAM under the alias “joebidennnn69” on the Kik social media network. This occurred during a five-day spree in spring 2024, highlighting a stark contradiction between his public persona and criminal actions.
The hypocrisy of May’s case is further underscored by his legislative history. He had voted multiple times for child protection laws and spoke on the House floor advocating for children’s safety. His actions, however, betrayed the very principles he claimed to support, resulting in a strong reaction from both the public and his former colleagues. The sentencing reflects the court’s recognition of the severe breach of trust and the impact on victims.
Fallout and Legal Consequences
The legal proceedings against May culminated in January 2026, with Judge Cameron McGowan Currie imposing a 17.5-year sentence. This decision came despite prosecutors pushing for a 20-year sentence, arguing for maximum penalties due to the severe revictimization involved. The court also ordered May to pay approximately $72,000 in restitution and mandated lifetime registration as a sex offender, along with the loss of voting and gun rights.
May’s defense team highlighted his struggles with addiction and personal issues, including a history of childhood abuse and a porn addiction exacerbated by testosterone treatments. Despite these arguments, the judge emphasized the need for justice and deterrence in such cases. May’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and moral duplicity among public officials.
Impact on Community and Political Landscape
The case has significantly affected May’s family and the broader community. His wife has left him, and the family faces financial ruin. Furthermore, the scandal has undermined the credibility of the South Carolina Republican base, calling into question the vetting process for public representatives. Kids’ advocacy groups express concern over the erosion of trust in those who claim to protect children’s welfare.
Ex-lawmaker who advocated protecting kids gets 17 years in prison for sharing child sex abuse videos @WashTimes https://t.co/WWxekYvr9D
— Washington Times Local (@WashTimesLocal) January 14, 2026
On a broader scale, May’s actions have intensified scrutiny on social media platforms like Kik, which are used to distribute illegal content. The case reinforces the importance of stringent federal penalties for CSAM distribution, aligning with similar cases in South Carolina that have seen severe sentences. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the need for vigilant oversight of public figures.
Sources:
Prosecutors want 20-year sentence for ex-South Carolina lawmaker sharing child sex abuse videos
Former SC lawmaker RJ May to be sentenced on child porn charges
Ex-rep RJ May to spend over 17 years in prison for sending child sex abuse videos
Former state lawmaker pleads guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material