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Home / Current Events / Federal Probe Expands: Oklahoma Man Charged in Child Pornography Case Linked to Former SC State Rep. May

Federal Probe Expands: Oklahoma Man Charged in Child Pornography Case Linked to Former SC State Rep. May

August 8, 2025 | Written by: Admin | Category: Current Events

Federal investigation into former South Carolina State Rep. Robert "RJ" May leads to charges against Oklahoma man Christian Soto for child pornography and illegal ammunition possession. The probe reveals a disturbing pattern of exchanges between the two men.

Jump to The Flipside Perspectives

In a shocking development, federal authorities have disclosed new details in the ongoing investigation of former South Carolina State Representative Robert "RJ" May, implicating an Oklahoma man, Christian Soto, in a child pornography scandal. Soto, with a prior criminal history, is now facing federal charges for receiving and possessing child pornography, and illegal possession of ammunition.

The investigation into Soto originated from the scrutiny surrounding May, who was arrested in June 2025. May, a 38-year-old from Lexington County and a father of two, was connected to a Kik Messenger account under the username "joebidennnn69," which was reported for containing child sexual abuse material in April 2024. Federal authorities traced the account to May's home IP address and mobile devices, leading to the discovery of at least 10 videos of child sexual abuse material shared directly from his device.

Court documents reveal that May had solicited images from Soto, under the username "randomcouplehere," requesting pictures of so-called "bad moms," highlighting a disturbing pattern in their exchanges. Soto's Kik account was linked to dozens of digital devices found in his home and vehicle. The New York Post reported that over 220 files were exchanged between the two during a five-day period in spring 2024.

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) witness testified that videos recovered from May's home showed him allegedly engaging in sexual acts with three underage girls in Colombia, South Carolina, in exchange for money. These files were reportedly stored alongside the child pornography content traded on Kik.

The federal indictment includes 10 counts of distributing child sexual abuse material, each carrying a minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, plus fines and supervised release terms. May was denied bond by a federal judge in Columbia after prosecutors highlighted the ages of some victims, which appeared similar to those of May's own children. Following his arrest, May was suspended from the South Carolina House of Representatives without pay.

Elected in 2020 and re-elected unopposed in 2022, May co-founded South Carolina's House Freedom Caucus and was known for his anti-LGBT stances and his public insistence that protecting children should be a legislative priority. Fox 8 noted that federal agents initially flagged May's Kik username, which prompted the broader cyber investigation.

Officials confirmed that, in addition to imprisonment, May faces financial penalties and a supervised release term. His trial date has not yet been scheduled, and he remains in federal custody. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities continue to examine digital evidence and communications that may identify further participants in the distribution of illegal material.

The Flipside: Different Perspectives

Progressive View

The appalling case involving former State Rep. Robert "RJ" May and Christian Soto brings to light the pervasive issue of child exploitation and the misuse of technology to perpetrate these crimes. As progressives, we advocate for a society where every individual, especially children, can live free from harm and exploitation. The betrayal of public trust by May, who campaigned on the protection of children, is a stark reminder of the systemic changes needed to address these deep-rooted problems.

We must demand accountability and transparency from our elected officials and take a proactive stance in safeguarding children from sexual abuse. This includes supporting comprehensive sex education that empowers children with knowledge about consent and bodily autonomy, as well as providing resources for victims of abuse.

The digital landscape must be regulated to ensure the safety and well-being of its users. Companies operating messaging platforms like Kik must be held accountable for the content shared on their networks and work collaboratively with law enforcement to prevent abuse. Investment in mental health services is also crucial, as it can play a significant role in both prevention and recovery for those affected by such traumatic experiences.

Progressives call for a justice system that not only punishes offenders but also focuses on rehabilitation and the root causes of criminal behavior. By working together, we can create a safer environment for our children and foster a culture that does not tolerate any form of abuse.

Conservative View

The recent revelations in the case of former State Rep. Robert "RJ" May and Christian Soto are a stark reminder of the need for stringent law enforcement efforts to protect the most vulnerable among us, our children. As conservatives, we believe in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who commit heinous crimes, especially against children, are met with the full force of justice. It is deeply troubling that an individual such as May, who publicly advocated for the protection of children and held a position of trust, could be implicated in such despicable acts.

In light of these events, it is imperative to re-evaluate the security measures on digital platforms like Kik Messenger to prevent exploitation. The anonymity provided by these applications should not be a shield for criminal behavior. Furthermore, this case underscores the importance of background checks and the monitoring of individuals with access to children, even those in positions of authority.

The conservative community must continue to champion family values and the protection of children. We must also support law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat child exploitation and pornography. Strengthening legislation to increase penalties for child predators and investing in advanced technologies to track illegal online activities should be a priority. Let this case serve as a call to action to protect our children and ensure that justice is served.

Common Ground

Both conservative and progressive viewpoints converge on the fundamental agreement that the protection of children from exploitation and abuse is paramount. There is a shared belief in the need for robust law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice, as well as the importance of preventative measures to safeguard against child sexual abuse. Both sides also recognize the role of technology in facilitating these crimes and the urgency of enhancing digital security and accountability. Despite differing approaches, there is a common commitment to creating a safer society for the most vulnerable.

What's your view on this story? Share your thoughts and remember to consider multiple perspectives and being respectful when forming and voicing your opinion. "If you resort to personal attacks, you have already lost the debate..."

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