COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – A federal judge has allowed former state Representative Robert John (R.J.) May III to represent himself in his upcoming trial in federal court, scheduled for next month. This decision was made on Thursday, September 4.

May is facing a federal indictment with 10 charges related to child sexual abuse material. Authorities allege that an account on the app “Kik” linked to him was used to share such material.

The app reportedly flagged multiple videos from an account named “Joe Bidennnn69.” Agents tracked the activities of this account back to May’s home internet connection and cell phone.

May resigned last month from the House of Representatives and said the decision “is in the best interest of his family and constituents.”

He was assigned Federal Public Defender Jenny Smith and Co-Counsel Jeremy Thompson, but as of Thursday, he will be solo.

As of now, May’s trial begins October 9, 2025, and jury selection is October 8, 2025.