SHOCK: SC Republican Used 'joebidennnn69' Handle in Federal Child Abuse Case

Paul Riverbank, 6/13/2025South Carolina lawmaker arrested on federal child abuse charges after using "joebidennnn69" username.
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The Fall of a Freedom Fighter: South Carolina Lawmaker Faces Disturbing Federal Charges

In what feels like a plot twist too dark for fiction, South Carolina's political establishment is reeling from news that has left even seasoned observers speechless. State Rep. RJ May III – a self-styled champion of family values – now sits in federal custody, accused of sharing hundreds of files containing child sexual abuse material.

I've covered countless political scandals, but this one hits differently. The details emerging from federal prosecutors paint a picture that's both bizarre and deeply troubling. May allegedly operated under the username "joebidennnn69" on Kik, a detail that adds a layer of political mockery to an already disturbing case.

Let's be clear about the scope: we're talking about roughly 220 files distributed in less than a week. The investigation kicked off after Kik flagged suspicious activity to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Federal agents traced everything back to May's West Columbia residence and personal devices.

The response from South Carolina's political circles has been swift and unequivocal. Governor McMaster's office didn't mince words – "abhorrent, disgusting and quite disturbing." The S.C. Freedom Caucus, which May helped create, quickly noted they'd already shown him the door back in August.

What makes this case particularly jarring is the stark contrast between May's public persona and these allegations. Here's a father of two young children who, just months ago, stood on the House floor declaring legislators' duty to protect children during a debate on transgender care. Now, prosecutors want him held without bail, citing the ages of his own children matching those in the materials he allegedly shared.

The evidence collection tells its own story – federal agents carted away laptops, tablets, phones, hard drives, and numerous thumb drives from May's home. His legal team has floated the possibility of unauthorized WiFi access, but federal prosecutors seem unconvinced.

Each of the 10 counts May faces carries serious weight: up to 20 years in federal prison, minimum 5-year sentences, $250,000 fines, and extended supervised release. The justice system will run its course, but the political fallout is already reshaping South Carolina's legislative landscape.

As someone who's watched political careers end in countless ways over the decades, this case stands out for its particularly dark nature. It serves as a stark reminder that those who craft laws to protect children must be held to the highest standard when it comes to protecting society's most vulnerable.

The investigation continues, and like all defendants, May remains innocent until proven guilty. But regardless of the outcome, this case has already left an indelible mark on South Carolina politics – one that won't easily fade from public memory.