Florida appointee child sexual abuse case
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DeSantis suggests ally appointed to Palm Beach post could face death penalty over child sex abuse charges
DeSantis said Caruso was a clean vet and well regarded in the community at the time he was appointed.
Florida lawmakers in April 2023 passed a law allowing prosecutors to seek the death penalty for those convicted of capital sexual battery of a child under the age of 12.
Mark Schlakman reviewed death penalty cases while working under former Florida Gov. Lawton Childs as assistant general counsel.
“I’m proud that I signed that into law, and I’m proud that we have very strong penalties for people that abuse children.”
DeSantis comments on child sex abuse charges against Palm Beach appointee
DeSantis appointed Michael Caruso as Palm Beach County Clerk of Court
As of Wednesday, Florida had carried out 13 executions, more than any other state
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that Michael Caruso could face the death penalty if convicted of child sex abuse charges
“I’m proud that I signed that into law, and I’m proud that we have very strong penalties for people that abuse children.”
Florida governor suspends former ally over child sexual abuse charges
Caruso was removed as clerk of court and comptroller for Palm Beach county on Tuesday.
Caruso coached little league baseball for decades and volunteered with the boy scouts.
Caruso, 67, is a married father of seven children.
“Early this morning, with substantial assistance from FDLE [Florida department of law enforcement] and local law enforcement, Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse,”