Florida appointee child sexual abuse case
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DeSantis comments on child sex abuse charges against Palm Beach appointee
Florida lawmakers passed a law in April 2023 allowing prosecutors to seek the death penalty for capital sexual battery of a child under age 12
The victim detailed the alleged abuse to investigators in Orange County, according to local media reports
Caruso is accused of preying on a young boy more than half a dozen times since 2024
“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 arrest was made with substantial assistance from the Florida department of law enforcement and local law enforcement.
DeSantis had previously called Caruso “a legend” for supporting hardline legislation during Caruso's time as a Republican state representative from 2018 until last year.
DeSantis said Caruso was "well regarded in the community" and would "be in a world of hurt" if convicted.
“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 suggests ally appointed to Palm Beach post could face death penalty over child sex abuse charges
DeSantis said Florida is the first state to reintroduce the death penalty for pedophiles.
Caruso was arrested on Tuesday.
As of Wednesday, Florida has carried out 13 executions, leading all other states.
“I’m proud that I signed that into law, and I’m proud that we have very strong penalties for people that abuse children.”