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
William Francis Silvia, 61, was executed on Tuesday by lethal injection for fatally shooting his estranged wife and wounding his mother-in-law.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that Michael Caruso could face the death penalty if convicted of child sex abuse charges.
Caruso was arrested on Tuesday.
“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
Uthmeier said the investigation is ongoing.
DeSantis said Caruso was "well regarded in the community" and would "be in a world of hurt" if convicted.
Court documents said the alleged victim is a male relative of Caruso under the age of 12 who was molested multiple times during 2024 and 2025 during holidays and family trips, including a Caribbean cruise.
“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,”
DeSantis comments on child sex abuse charges against Palm Beach appointee
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that Michael Caruso could face the death penalty if convicted of child sex abuse charges
As of Wednesday, Florida had carried out 13 executions, more than any other state
Caruso, 67, was arrested on Tuesday and suspended from his clerk duties
“I’m proud that I signed that into law, and I’m proud that we have very strong penalties for people that abuse children.”