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."
"If he is convicted, he’s going to be in for a world of hurt," the governor added.
DeSantis said Caruso had been considered a "clean vet" and "was well regarded in the community" before his arrest. The governor said removing him from office was an easy decision once the allegations surfaced.
Florida lawmakers approved a 2023 law allowing prosecutors to seek the death penalty for people convicted of capital sexual battery against children younger than 12.
It remains unclear whether that punishment could apply to Caruso based on the charges currently filed against him. The allegations against him do not appear to meet the statutory requirements for capital sexual battery.
Mark Schlakman, a Florida State University human rights expert who previously reviewed death penalty cases for the state, said the law itself would likely survive constitutional scrutiny based on current legal precedent.
At the same time, Schlakman cautioned against predicting how the U.S. Supreme Court might rule if the law eventually reaches the justices.
"What would happen or will happen? Can't tell you," he said.
Caruso has not been convicted, and the allegations against him remain pending in court.