Republican Who Backed Death Penalty for Pedophiles Faces Child Sex Charges
Palm Beach County Clerk Michael Caruso, a DeSantis appointee, was immediately suspended from office.
Michael Caruso, a 67-year-old Republican former state legislator and current Palm Beach County Clerk, has been arrested on five felony child sex abuse charges. The charges include kidnapping, child molestation, lewd exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury. Caruso allegedly violated a relative child from fall 2024 to August 2025, including incidents during a family cruise, fishing outing, and Thanksgiving gathering.
The child has been receiving therapy since April 2026. DeSantis, who appointed Caruso as court clerk and comptroller in 2025, suspended him immediately upon arrest. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that being in a position of public trust does not grant immunity from accountability. DeSantis signed a bill in 2023 allowing for the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually battering children under 12, a law Caruso voted in favor of while serving in the Florida House.
Caruso, who is up for reelection in November, is not on the primary ballot due to his uncontested status. The Florida GOP called for Caruso to withdraw from the race. Shannon Ramsey-Chessman was sworn in as interim clerk. Caruso was booked into Orange County jail and remains held without bond. The investigation is ongoing, with the Uthmeier's office expecting additional charges.
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