Former South Carolina state representative sentenced in federal CSAM case

On January 14, 2026, RJ May, (Robert John May III), a former South Carolina state representative for District 88, was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison after being convicted of distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Federal court records show the sentence followed a criminal investigation and prosecution under U.S. federal law. May had previously served in the South Carolina House of Representatives before leaving office. The case was handled in federal court, and sentencing included a term of imprisonment and supervised release as required by statute.