Former South Carolina state lawmaker RJ May received a 17.5-year federal prison sentence for distributing child sexual abuse material, a sentence the judge deemed the most severe she had seen. May, a former Republican representative, pleaded guilty to five counts related to the distribution of explicit videos shared with users across multiple states and countries. His sentence also includes lifetime sex offender registration and 20 years of court supervision, with prosecutors emphasizing that no one is above the law. May admitted to using aliases and deleting apps to conceal his activity, which included a sexual interest in child sexual abuse, while also serving in the State House.
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On Monday, the South Carolina Department of Corrections reported the interception of a drone at Lee Correctional Institution. The drone was carrying contraband, including crab legs, seasoning, marijuana, and cigarettes. The post included an image of the seized items. While the authorities did not confirm any arrests, marijuana possession is illegal in South Carolina.
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A Peruvian court has sentenced former President Martín Vizcarra to 14 years in prison for accepting bribes while governor of a southern state. The court also imposed a nine-year ban from public office, though Vizcarra has stated his intention to appeal the decision, claiming the sentence is retribution for his political clashes. The conviction stems from illegal payments received from companies in exchange for awarding contracts for construction projects during his tenure as governor of Moquegua. Vizcarra is one of several former Peruvian presidents either in prison or who have served time.
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Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to begin serving his 27-year sentence in a police base after being convicted of plotting a coup. The Supreme Court found Bolsonaro guilty of leading a conspiracy to prevent his left-wing rival from taking power, which involved a failed plot to assassinate the incoming president. Bolsonaro’s co-conspirators, including former ministers and military officials, were also ordered to start their sentences, with some already in custody. While Bolsonaro’s incarceration sparked mixed reactions, with both jubilation and condemnation, experts suggest his influence has significantly waned, and mass protests have not materialized.
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Grammy-winning rapper Pras Michel of the Fugees has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegally funneling millions in foreign contributions to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. The 52-year-old was convicted on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government, following a trial in which actor Leonardo DiCaprio testified. Prosecutors sought a life sentence, citing the breadth of Michel’s crimes and greed, while his defense argued for a much shorter sentence and will appeal the conviction. Michel obtained over $120 million from Malaysian billionaire Low Taek Jho and attempted to obstruct a Justice Department investigation, leading to the court’s decision.
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Following the release of information regarding Ghislaine Maxwell’s preferential treatment at Camp Bryan, several prison staff members have been fired. These staff members were found to have accessed an email system used by inmates for communication and leaked privileged information. This information included private emails detailing Maxwell’s positive experience at the prison and her collaboration with the warden. Maxwell’s attorney has denied the accuracy of the allegations and clarified that Maxwell has not sought a commutation or pardon from the Trump administration.
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Following a 2021 commutation from a previous fraud conviction, Eliyahu “Eli” Weinstein has been sentenced to 37 years in federal prison for defrauding investors. The US district judge Michael Shipp also ordered Weinstein to pay over $44 million in restitution. Weinstein’s recent conviction involved a scheme where he and others falsely promised investors access to deals with medical supplies and other goods, resulting in approximately $35 million lost to investors. This marks Weinstein’s third fraud conviction in a New Jersey federal court, adding to a history of fraudulent activities and previous prison sentences.
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Mei, president of the National Treasury Employees Union for the Northeast division, discussed SNAP and the government shutdown in an interview, speaking on behalf of herself and her union. Despite all the details discussed being publicly available information, she was notified of her employment termination by the USDA, allegedly for discussing the agency without prior approval. Mei believes this action is retaliatory as she was speaking in her personal and union representative capacity, which does not require permission. She argued that her role as union president grants her the right to speak on behalf of her co-workers.
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The Shopping Trends team, separate from CTV News journalists, analyzed shopping data to provide insights into consumer behavior. Their work focuses on highlighting purchasing trends and potentially earning commissions through affiliate links. The team’s analyses aim to guide readers toward popular products and shopping opportunities. They offer transparency by disclosing their independence and potential for commission through the use of links.
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Speaking at a Conservative Partnership Institute event, Steve Bannon warned supporters that a Democratic return to power could lead to imprisonment for some, himself included. He emphasized the need for “more intense action” to counter the growing radicalism and solidify Trump’s initiatives. This warning followed significant Republican losses in recent elections, including the New York mayoral race and the Virginia gubernatorial race, which tested voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms. Bannon’s concerns stem from his own past, including a four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress.
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John Q. Hosedrinker