DeSantis Suspends Palm Beach Clerk And Notes Possible Death Penalty Exposure
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Palm Beach County clerk Michael Caruso following his arrest on child sex abuse charges and warned Caruso could face the death penalty if convicted.[1]
Caruso, 67, was arrested on charges including kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation and luring or enticing a child.[1] Prosecutors allege he abused a boy more than half a dozen times beginning in 2024 and also charged him with lewd or lascivious exhibition and child abuse causing mental injury.[1]
DeSantis cited Florida's 2023 law that allows the death penalty for capital sexual battery of a child under 12.[1] He warned Caruso could face a "world of hurt" if convicted, though prosecutors have not charged him with capital sexual battery.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Palm Beach County clerk of court Michael Caruso was arrested on child sex abuse and related charges and suspended from his post by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
- Caruso, 67, is charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury involving a boy allegedly abused more than half a dozen times since 2024.
- DeSantis publicly highlighted Florida’s 2023 law allowing the death penalty for capital sexual battery of a child under 12 and said Caruso could face a "world of hurt" if convicted, though the reported charges do not currently include capital sexual battery.
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