South Carolina Rep. RJ May, a Lexington County Republican who cofounded the House Freedom Caucus, was indicted on federal charges of distributing child sex abuse material. Following indictment, House Speaker suspends May.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Shiva Hodges said Thursday that the weight of evidence against May is significant. She cited his international travels and the danger he possibly poses to himself, his two young children and to other children.

May was arrested at his West Columbia home Wednesday, roughly 10 months after his house was raided in August 2024 by U.S. Homeland Security Investigation agents, who seized various electronic devices, such as cellphones, hard drives, a CD and thumb drives.

May, who was shackled at his wrists and ankles at his first federal court appearance Thursday in Columbia, entered a plea of not guilty.

  • ryper@lemmy.caEnglish
    33·
    1 day ago

    May was arrested at his West Columbia home Wednesday, roughly 10 months after his house was raided in August 2024 by U.S. Homeland Security Investigation agents, who seized various electronic devices, such as cellphones, hard drives, a CD and thumb drives.

    May, a married father of two children under the age of 10, last won reelection in November 2024. He was challenged by a write-in candidate.

    Apparently voters in his district didn’t think having his home raided by Homeland Security was overly suspicious.