The claim is true because multiple reliable news sources confirm that former South Carolina state Rep. RJ May was sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for distributing hundreds of child sexual abuse images and videos, including graphic content involving very young children.
South Carolina state Rep. RJ May (R) was caught sharing hundreds of images of kids, including pictures of adults raping seven-year-olds.

Former state Rep. RJ May sentenced to 17 years for child sex abuse materials
Source: wach.com
Key Evidence
RJ May was sentenced to 17 and a half years in federal prison for distributing hundreds of videos and images of child sexual abuse.
wach.comwach.comFormer state Rep. RJ May sentenced to 17 years for child sex abuse materials
southcarolinapublicradio.orgsouthcarolinapublicradio.orgEx-lawmaker who advocated protecting kids gets 17 years in prison for sharing...+1 more
Investigators found evidence that he shared graphic content including adults raping seven-year-olds.
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The charges were confirmed by federal prosecutors and widely reported by multiple independent news outlets.
apnews.comapnews.comEx-lawmaker who advocated protecting kids gets 17 years in prison for sharing...
What the Evidence Shows
All ten independent sources consistently report that RJ May, a former Republican state representative from South Carolina, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to approximately 17 and a half years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. The evidence presented in court included hundreds of graphic photos and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, with some reports specifically mentioning images involving very young victims, including seven-year-olds.
The charges stem from his sharing of these materials on social media platforms across the country. Multiple sources also note the severity of the content, including depictions of rape and other forms of abuse. There is no credible source contradicting these facts or disputing the nature of the materials involved.
The reports come from reputable local and national news organizations, including AP News, South Carolina Public Radio, FOX8 WGHP, and others, all published in January 2026 shortly after the sentencing.