COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina Republican lawmaker in jail awaiting trial on charges he distributed sexual abuse material involving children has resigned his seat in the state House.

RJ May’s resignation letter was dated Thursday but didn’t arrive at the offices of House leadership until Monday morning.

May wrote that “it is in the best interests of my family and constituents to resign immediately.” It does not mention the 10 charges he faces or the more than a decade in prison that prosecutors have suggested May could face if convicted.

The return address on the letter was May’s Lexington post office box. He is currently being held at the Edgefield County jail without bond as he awaits trial as soon as next month.

May’s federal public defender did not respond to an email Monda

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