COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – A state lawmaker accused of using a social messaging app to distribute child sexual abuse material has resigned from the South Carolina House.

RJ May, who was indicted by a federal grand jury in June, informed House Speaker Murrell Smith of his decision in an Aug. 7 letter.

“I have decided that it is in the best interest of my family and constituents to resign immediately from the South Carolina House of Representatives,” he wrote.

May was taken into custody on June 11 following a more than one-year-long investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation crimes. He remains behind bars in Lexington County.

The speaker’s office confirmed the day after May’s arrest that he was suspended without pay.

The West Columbia lawmaker has represented District 88 since 20

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