Fact Check: "The house speaker suspended May from his seat after the indictment."
What We Know
On June 10, 2025, South Carolina Representative RJ May was indicted by a federal grand jury on ten counts related to child sexual abuse material. Following the unsealing of the indictment, House Speaker Murrell Smith suspended May from his position without pay on June 12, 2025, as mandated by state law (source-1, source-2). This suspension prevents May from receiving his monthly stipend for in-district expenses and remains in effect until the legal proceedings conclude (source-5).
Analysis
The claim that the House Speaker suspended May from his seat after the indictment is accurate. Multiple reputable sources confirm that House Speaker Murrell Smith enacted the suspension immediately following the indictment's unsealing (source-2, source-4). The suspension is a legal requirement under South Carolina law, which stipulates that a member facing serious criminal charges must be suspended until the case is resolved (source-5).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, including local news outlets and official statements from the South Carolina House. The information is corroborated across multiple reports, which enhances its reliability. The context of the suspension, including the serious nature of the charges against May, further supports the claim's validity.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the House Speaker suspended May from his seat after the indictment is supported by multiple credible sources and aligns with the legal requirements in South Carolina. The suspension was enacted immediately following the indictment's unsealing, confirming the accuracy of the statement.
Sources
- RJ May - Wikipedia. Link
- South Carolina House begins process to expel Rep. RJ May - The State. Link
- Prosecutors say Republican lawmaker used name ... - KPTV. Link
- SC House Majority Leader calls to expel Rep. facing federal sex crime ... - Live 5 News. Link
- SC lawmaker arrested on federal child pornography charges - Spectrum News. Link
- Republican in South Carolina arrested over distribution of ... - The Guardian. Link
- Prosecutors say Republican South Carolina lawmaker used ... - Yahoo. Link
- SC representative charged with distributing child sexual ... - SC Daily Gazette. Link
