Columbia, South Carolina, October 9, 2025
News Summary
State Representative R.J. May III is under scrutiny following a federal raid at his home where electronic devices were seized. Although facing a potential indictment, May remains focused on his responsibilities to District 88. His position within the Freedom Caucus is uncertain as members express restricted interactions with him during this ongoing investigation. The situation embodies a critical juncture for both May and the Freedom Caucus amid broader implications.
Columbia, South Carolina – State Representative R.J. May III, a Republican from Lexington, is currently facing a potential criminal investigation following a raid conducted at his home by federal agents. The raid, which occurred on August 5, resulted in the seizure of various electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, phones, hard drives, and thumb drives.
While attending the first day of the state House organization, May’s presence came amidst indications that federal prosecutors may issue an indictment by January. However, details regarding the specific charges against him remain undisclosed. His focus appears to be on his legislative duties, as he expressed a desire to represent his constituents in District 88.
May, who is a co-founder of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus and previously served as its vice chair, displayed limited engagement with fellow members during the legislative session. He opted for a back-row seat in the chamber and interacted minimally with others, only occasionally voting for state Representative Bill Chumley, who ultimately was not elected as speaker. His future involvement in the Freedom Caucus now hangs in the balance, with the newly elected chairman, State Representative Jordan Pace, suggesting that membership will depend on future voting outcomes and policies.
Since the investigation launched, May has reportedly had restricted interactions with other members of the Freedom Caucus. Other members have acknowledged the limited interaction, but one representative, Ryan McCabe, defended May, asserting he believed May to be an upstanding individual. May also owns a political consulting firm named Ivory Tusk Consulting, which is under scrutiny as authorities assess various aspects of his professional activities, including questions surrounding his travels.
The investigation into May is part of a broader look into accusations that carry potential additional criminal implications, with law enforcement evaluating his actions closely since the August raid. The Freedom Caucus, known for its hard-line conservative positions in South Carolina, finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates the uncertain status of one of its key members.
As the situation develops, May’s participation in future caucus activities remains uncertain, reflecting a complicated period for both the individual and the organization as they await clarity on the investigation and its possible outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the investigation into State Rep. R.J. May III?
On August 5, agents from the Homeland Security Investigations unit searched May’s home and seized various electronic devices, leading to a potential criminal investigation.
What are the potential consequences for R.J. May III?
Federal prosecutors indicated that May may face an indictment, although the specific charges remain undisclosed.
What has R.J. May III said about his role as a legislator?
May stated he is focused on his legislative duties and is looking forward to representing the people of District 88.
How has the Freedom Caucus responded to May’s situation?
The newly elected Freedom Caucus chairman commented that May’s membership would depend on future voting outcomes and policies.
What has been the reaction from other Freedom Caucus members?
Multiple Freedom Caucus members reported limited interaction with May since the investigation began, though some, like Ryan McCabe, have defended him as an upstanding individual.
Key Features of the Investigation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Investigation | Potential criminal investigation initiated by federal agents |
| Date of Raid | August 5 |
| Equipment Seized | Laptops, tablets, phones, hard drives, thumb drives |
| Potential Indictment Date | By January |
| Role in Freedom Caucus | Co-founder and former vice chair |
| Future Participation Uncertainty | Membership dependent on voting outcomes and policies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AOL News: SC State Rep. R.J. May
- WLTX: R.J. May Guilty Plea Deal
- WISTV: Ex-SC Rep R.J. May Trial
- SC Daily Gazette: R.J. May Resignation
- The Guardian: R.J. May Investigation
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse
- Google Search: South Carolina Politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google Scholar: R.J. May Legal Issues
- Google News: R.J. May
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