Robert John May III, a former lawmaker from South Carolina, has consented to enter a guilty plea to five charges related to distributing child pornography.
May, who had been serving as the representative for House District 88 in Lexington County since 2021, was apprehended in April and detained at the Lexington County Detention Center. Additionally, he was a founding member of the conservative State House group known as the Freedom Caucus.
The investigation into May commenced following a cyber-tip received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children from the messaging app Kik. May was using the alias “joebidennnn69.” Authorities traced the account back to May’s home IP address and mobile device, uncovering at least 10 videos depicting child sexual abuse shared from this account.
Following his arrest, the South Carolina House of Representatives suspended May without pay, and he resigned on August 11.
During a federal court session on Wednesday, May represented himself and put forth multiple motions, such as requests to dismiss certain pieces of evidence and to transfer his trial from Columbia. He also contested the legitimacy of the search warrant for his home and phone, and noted irregularities in the investigators’ affidavit and testimony.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that May’s plea agreement was submitted on Friday but must be ratified by a judge on Monday. If confirmed, the judge will determine whether his sentences will be served consecutively or concurrently.
Each charge carries a sentence of five to 20 years and a maximum fine of $250,000.
