Former South Carolina Republican lawmaker RJ May was sentenced to 17½ years in federal prison for distributing hundreds of videos of children being sexually abused while publicly advocating for child protection laws.

The judge called his actions deeply hypocritical and emphasized the lasting harm to the victims.

May pleaded guilty to sharing the videos over a five-day period in 2024 and resigned from the legislature before sentencing.

He sought a lighter sentence, citing addiction and personal struggles, but the court imposed a lengthy prison term and ordered restitution, the AP has reported.

May must also register as a sex offender and will serve 20 years of probation after his release.