Fact-Check: Claim Regarding South Carolina State Representative Robert John May III
What We Know
Robert John May III, a Republican state representative from South Carolina, was arrested and indicted on multiple charges related to the distribution of child sexual abuse material. According to a report by the Associated Press, May is accused of using the username "joebidennnn69" on the Kik messaging platform to distribute over 200 files depicting child sexual abuse. The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber-tip regarding this account. The federal grand jury subsequently returned a 10-count indictment against him, which includes serious allegations of distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) (U.S. Department of Justice).
The indictment states that May allegedly shared at least 10 videos depicting child sexual abuse, and he faces significant legal consequences, including a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison (source-1). The investigation revealed that the files were uploaded and downloaded using May's home Wi-Fi network and mobile device (source-2).
Analysis
The evidence presented in the indictment and accompanying reports is compelling. The use of the username "joebidennnn69" has been directly linked to May through digital forensics, which connected the account to his home IP address and mobile device (source-1). The fact that the investigation was initiated by a credible organization, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, adds to the reliability of the claims.
While May's defense attorney suggested that someone else might have used his Wi-Fi to commit these acts, the evidence presented by prosecutors indicates a strong connection between May and the alleged activities. The attorney's claims about the possibility of another party using the Wi-Fi do not negate the substantial evidence linking May to the distribution of CSAM (source-2).
Moreover, the serious nature of the charges and the potential penalties reflect the gravity of the situation. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, a reputable federal agency, further enhancing the credibility of the findings (source-1).
Conclusion
The claim that Republican South Carolina state representative Robert John May III has been arrested for distributing over 200 child pornography files under the username "joebidennnn69" is True. The evidence, including the indictment and corroborating reports from credible news sources and federal agencies, supports this assertion. May faces serious legal repercussions, and the investigation is ongoing.
Sources
- West Columbia Man Indicted for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material
- Prosecutors say Republican South Carolina lawmaker used βjoebidennnn69' to send child sex material
- RJ May - Wikipedia
- Indicted S.C. lawmaker could face expulsion over child porn case
- South Carolina Rep. May faces federal charges for child pornography distribution
- SC Rep. RJ May Accused of Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material
- South Carolina Rep. RJ May indicted on child sexual abuse charges
- SC lawmaker arrested on federal child pornography charges