Ethics Committee finds probable cause that former Rep. R.J. May acted unbecomingly

The House Ethics Committee voted unanimously to find probable cause that former Representative R.J. May acted in a manner unbecoming a member of the House. The finding followed a legal briefing from outside investigative counsel and a roll-call vote ordered by the chair.

Chair opened the meeting and called for the motion, which Representative Robbins presented after the committee returned from an executive session. A roll call was conducted and the chair declared the result unanimous. Chair noted that the committee "will not have the opportunity to hear from outside investigative counsel regarding their investigation, and will, if present, provide any, the respondent, Mister May or his counsel, the opportunity to be heard." No representative for Mr. May appeared at the meeting, and staff said no response had been received from the respondent to date.

The committee's action establishes a formal probable-cause finding in HEC complaint 20-25-01 and sets the stage for staff-prepared documentation and potential referral of matters uncovered during the investigation. The chair said staff gave notice to Mr. May and that he was afforded the opportunity to respond but had not done so.