A South Carolina state representative has been federally indicted for allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material, igniting political upheaval and legal peril.

At a Glance

• RJ May, a Republican legislator, faces 10 federal charges for distributing child sexual abuse material.
• Authorities allege he traded over 200 illicit videos using the Kik username “joebidennnn69.”
• Digital evidence was traced to May’s home IP address and personal mobile phone.
• He is being held without bail and has been suspended from the state legislature.
• Conviction could result in up to 20 years per count, plus hefty fines.

A Shocking Web of Exploitation

In June 2025, federal prosecutors unsealed a sweeping indictment against South Carolina Representative Robert J. “RJ” May III, accusing him of distributing child sexual abuse material through the messaging platform Kik. Investigators linked the explicit files to an account named “joebidennnn69,” reportedly responsible for sharing over 200 files depicting minors over a five-day span in spring 2024. The account activity was traced through May’s home internet connection and his personal smartphone.

Following an extensive probe by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, May’s devices were seized in an August 2024 raid. Authorities cited nearly 1,000 transmissions through his home network, further implicating him in the digital exploitation scheme. During his arraignment, the presiding judge denied bail, citing risk factors including the proximity of his own children to the ages of the victims in the files exchanged.

Watch a report: SC Rep. RJ May Accused of Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material – YouTube

May has pleaded not guilty, with his legal counsel arguing that others could have accessed his Wi-Fi network. His defense claims that a publicly posted password by his spouse could have made their connection vulnerable to misuse by outsiders. Prosecutors, however, maintain that the digital footprint is directly attributable to May’s devices.

Fallout and the Road Ahead

The political consequences were swift. May was immediately suspended from the South Carolina House, consistent with laws governing indicted officials. The South Carolina Freedom Caucus, which he co-founded, expelled him from its ranks in an effort to distance itself from the scandal. The state GOP leadership has publicly demanded his resignation, and an ethics investigation is underway.

Financial disclosures filed by May led the court to appoint him a public defender, indicating his claim of limited personal assets. Legal proceedings are scheduled to continue with a critical hearing in August 2025, and jury selection is anticipated to begin in September. Federal prosecutors have signaled their intention to pursue maximum sentencing, framing the case as a stark warning against digital crimes targeting children.

May’s indictment underscores growing national concern over child exploitation facilitated through encrypted messaging apps and raises serious questions about accountability among elected officials. With a potential prison term stretching to 200 years if convicted on all counts, the stakes in this legal battle are monumental for May and the political landscape he leaves behind.