Fact check: S.C. MAGA Rep, R J MAY arrested for distributing images of child sexual abuse

1. Summary of the results

The original statement is confirmed by all sources analyzed. South Carolina State Representative Robert John "RJ" May III was indeed arrested and indicted on federal charges for distributing child sexual abuse material ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}.

Key facts established:

• Federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment against Rep. May for distributing child sexual abuse material ^{[1] [2] [4]}
• May faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 ^{[2] [3]}
• Federal magistrate denied him bond, citing him as both a flight risk and a danger to the community ^{[1] [5]}
• May pleaded not guilty to the charges ^[5]
• The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a federal initiative ^[3]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original statement omits several significant details that provide important context:

• Prosecutors allege May used the screen name 'joebidennnn69' to exchange files on the Kik social media network ^{[4] [2]}
• The investigation involved multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Attorney's Office and Homeland Security Investigations unit ^[6]
• May's home was searched and multiple electronic devices were seized during the investigation ^[6]
• The indictment alleges May distributed at least 10 videos of child sexual abuse material ^[2]
• The case includes graphic descriptions of the material allegedly distributed, indicating the severity of the charges ^[5]

The sources do not present alternative viewpoints questioning the validity of the charges, as this appears to be a straightforward federal criminal case with an official indictment.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement contains no apparent misinformation - it accurately reflects the core facts confirmed by multiple credible sources. However, there are some considerations regarding presentation:

• The statement's emphasis on "MAGA Rep" could be seen as politically charged framing, though May's Republican affiliation is factually accurate
• The statement uses somewhat sensationalized language but does not misrepresent the actual charges
• The brevity of the original statement omits important procedural details (bond denial, plea entry, potential penalties) that would provide fuller context to readers

All sources cited are from credible news organizations and official government sources, including the Post and Courier, ABC Columbia, Associated Press, The State newspaper, and the U.S. Department of Justice, with consistent reporting across multiple outlets on June 12-13, 2025.