Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suggested that Michael Caruso, a former ally he appointed as Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, could face the death penalty if convicted of child sex abuse charges. Caruso, 67, was arrested Tuesday and subsequently suspended from his position. He faces multiple charges including kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury.
DeSantis commented on the case during a press conference, stating that if Caruso is convicted, he is in for a "world of hurt." The governor highlighted Florida's position as the first state to reintroduce the death penalty for pedophiles, a law he signed.
"We’re the first state to reintroduce the death penalty for pedophiles," DeSantis told reporters. "I’m proud that I signed that into law, and I’m proud that we have very strong penalties for people that abuse children."
According to reports, the victim detailed the alleged abuse to investigators in Orange County. One of the more serious allegations involves a seven-day Royal Caribbean cruise where Caruso allegedly separated the victim from his family and engaged in inappropriate acts.
DeSantis noted that Caruso was considered a "clean vet" and "well regarded in the community" at the time of his appointment, calling the decision to suspend him an easy one. In April 2023, Florida lawmakers passed a law that allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty for individuals convicted of capital sexual battery of a child under the age of 12.
However, it remains unclear if Caruso's current charges qualify for capital sexual battery, which would be necessary to pursue the death penalty under the new law. Legal experts suggest that while the law was designed to withstand constitutional scrutiny, the ultimate decision rests with the courts.
Florida has carried out 13 executions this year as of Wednesday, leading all other states in capital punishment. The most recent execution occurred Tuesday, when William Francis Silvia, 61, was put to death by lethal injection for a 1982 killing.