Fact check: What are the penalties for distributing child sex abuse material in South Carolina?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, distributing child sex abuse material in South Carolina carries severe federal penalties. The consistent information across multiple sources indicates that individuals convicted of this crime face:

• Maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}
• Mandatory minimum of 5 years imprisonment ^{[1] [2] [5]}
• Fine of up to $250,000 ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}
• At least 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment ^{[1] [2] [3]}

These penalties are consistently reported across recent cases, including those involving Representative R.J. May who was indicted in June 2025 ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}, Daniel Turner Widner who received a 15-year sentence ^[6], and Daniel Paul Shealy, a former Rock Hill officer convicted on 18 counts ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question focuses solely on penalties but omits several important contextual elements:

• Recent legislative developments: South Carolina passed Senate Bill 74 in May 2025, which empowers the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce to issue administrative subpoenas, making it easier to investigate and prosecute these crimes ^{[7] [8]}
• Enhanced enforcement capabilities: The state Attorney General's Office now has expanded authority to subpoena websites and internet providers to locate suspects accessing child pornography ^[8]
• Broader legal framework: Two additional bills criminalizing the use of technology to create child pornography were expected to be signed into law as of May 2025 ^[8]
• Professional consequences: Beyond criminal penalties, individuals in positions of authority face additional repercussions, such as Representative R.J. May being suspended without pay from the S.C. House of Representatives ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation or bias - it is a straightforward factual inquiry about legal penalties. However, the question's narrow focus could potentially:

• Understate the comprehensive nature of South Carolina's approach to combating child sexual exploitation, which includes both severe criminal penalties and enhanced investigative tools
• Omit the recent strengthening of enforcement mechanisms that make prosecution more likely and effective ^{[7] [8]}
• Fail to highlight the mandatory minimum sentences that ensure substantial prison time regardless of circumstances, which is a crucial deterrent aspect of the law ^{[1] [5]}

The analyses demonstrate that South Carolina has implemented a robust legal framework with both severe penalties and enhanced enforcement capabilities to address child sexual abuse material distribution.