South Carolina State Representative RJ May Resigns Amid Federal Indictment for Child Sexual Abuse Material
A South Carolina state representative, RJ May, has resigned following a federal indictment related to child sexual abuse material. May's resignation letter cited the best interest of his family and constituents as the reason for his immediate resignation. The South Carolina House Ethics Committee had launched an investigation into May for potential misuse of office and conduct unbecoming of a member. May, a Republican representing the Lexington area, was indicted on 10 federal counts of distributing child sexual abuse material and remains in jail pending a federal trial.
The investigation into May began when the social messaging app Kik alerted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of videos containing child sexual abuse material from an account linked to May. The data showed that May's account had shared numerous videos depicting child sexual abuse material and engaged in discussions about trading such material with other users. May's phone was found to have deleted apps associated with such activities shortly after the investigation began. Additionally, May's online activities revealed a sexual interest in children and incest, as well as engagement in commercial sex in South America.
Federal Homeland Security Investigations agents seized multiple devices from May last August, including cellphones, hard drives, and thumb drives. The U.S. Attorney's Office had expected to indict May by March of this year, but the specific charges were not disclosed at that time. The case is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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