Ex-SC Rep. RJ May makes handwritten request to change trial venue due to ‘pre-trial publicity’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Former South Carolina State Rep. RJ May has filed a new handwritten motion with the courts, seeking a change in trial venue.

He requested the change after alleging in the motion that “pre-trial publicity has tainted the jury pool and prevented a fair trial.”

May filed to represent himself in court earlier this month, which was granted by a judge. He had filed a motion last week to suppress evidence related to the August 2024 seizure of electronics from his home by federal agents.

He also alleges that most of the “sustained, recent and inflammatory” press coverage is because the government communicated with the media.

In the motion, May cites a FITS News article relating to the original seizure of items in his home by federal agents in October 2024, where the news organization said they received information from an anonymous government source.

May also cites the government’s filing of a CAFRA extension request in Oct. 2024 when the case was under seal. He says that this alerted the media that an indictment was expected, allegedly leading to articles and videos announcing his impending indictment.

The full motion can be viewed below.

RJ May Motion For Trial Change of Venue by marleyabassett03

Along with the motion, May filed a 245-page document with various articles from multiple state and national media outlets about his case.

His trial is set to begin in October.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WIS for the latest details.

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