Former SC Representative RJ May Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Exploitation
Former South Carolina state representative RJ May was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. The ruling took place in Columbia, South Carolina, with Judge Cameron McGowan Currie highlighting the severity of May’s actions as unprecedented in her experience with such cases.
Details on RJ May’s Charges and Sentence
May, a Republican who served parts of Lexington County in the South Carolina House, faced five counts related to child sexual abuse material. Following his guilty plea, federal prosecutors had recommended a 20-year sentence. However, May requested a shorter duration, suggesting he could serve time on house arrest at his family’s farm in Virginia.
Background of the Case
In June, May was arrested and began legal proceedings. Initially planning to represent himself, he later pleaded guilty in September. Five additional charges were dropped as part of a plea bargain.
- May was suspended following his indictment and resigned in August 2024.
- He admitted to distributing explicit videos via the Kik application in April 2024.
- Prosecutors claimed he sent nearly 500 videos across 18 states and six countries within five days.
Kik Account and Forensic Analysis
Data from Kik indicated that May had shared 265 videos of child sexual abuse material. His account was highly active, registering nearly 1,150 messages during this period. Notably, it came to light that May deleted various apps shortly after sending messages.
Additionally, May used aliases to create online accounts. One notable alias was “Eric Rentling,” associated with a Facebook account linked to conversations that suggested engagement in sex work with women from Colombia.
May’s Political Career
RJ May, aged 39, had held office since 2021, emphasizing his influence through the conservative South Carolina Freedom Caucus. His recent re-election occurred in November 2024, despite an ongoing federal investigation. John Lastinger has since been elected to fill his vacant seat.
Conclusion
The case against RJ May highlights the serious legal implications of child exploitation, drawing attention to the ongoing battle against such crimes. The story continues to develop, with the community eagerly awaiting further updates.
