DeSantis Weighs In After Former Ally Faces Child Abuse Charges
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said a former ally who was appointed to lead the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court could face severe punishment if convicted of charges involving the alleged abuse of a child. According to Fox…
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said a former ally who was appointed to lead the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court could face severe punishment if convicted of charges involving the alleged abuse of a child.
According to Fox News, Michael Caruso, 67, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives, was arrested Tuesday and suspended from his clerk duties by DeSantis.
Prosecutors accuse him of repeatedly abusing a young boy since 2024.
Caruso faces charges including kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury.
Investigators in Orange County interviewed the alleged victim about the accusations, according to local reports.
One allegation involves a seven-day Royal Caribbean cruise. Authorities allege Caruso separated the boy from his family during the trip and engaged in inappropriate conduct.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, DeSantis pointed to Florida's law allowing prosecutors to pursue the death penalty in certain child sex abuse cases.
"We’re the first state to reintroduce the death penalty for pedophiles," DeSantis said. "I’m proud that I signed that into law, and I’m proud that we have very strong penalties for people that abuse children."