Fact-check analysisVerified as of January 17, 2026Curated by FactVerify
True

South Carolina state Rep. RJ May (R) was caught sharing hundreds of images of kids, including pictures of adults raping seven-year-olds.

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.

Former state Rep. RJ May sentenced to 17 years for child sex abuse materials

Former state Rep. RJ May sentenced to 17 years for child sex abuse materials

Source: wach.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified January 17, 2026
The reporting

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.

Primary trail

Verified Sources10

Former state Rep. RJ May sentenced to 17 years for child sex abuse materials

wach.com
Open source

Ex-lawmaker who advocated protecting kids gets 17 years in prison for sharing...

southcarolinapublicradio.org
Open source

Former SC Rep. RJ May sentenced to 17 years for distributing child sex abuse...

myfox8.com
Open source
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