Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has stated that Michael Caruso, his appointee to serve as Palm Beach County’s clerk of court, could face the ultimate punishment if child sex abuse allegations against him lead to a qualifying conviction.

Caruso, a former Republican state lawmaker and once-trusted DeSantis ally, was arrested Tuesday on five felony charges involving a child. DeSantis did not hedge when reporters asked about the case, stating his former ally “could be in for a world of hurt.” The governor directly referenced the capital-punishment law he signed in 2023 that permits Florida prosecutors to seek the death penalty in certain cases involving sexual battery of a child under age 12. DeSantis emphasized Florida was the first state to restore such punishment for child predators and affirmed his pride in signing it.

DeSantis confirmed Caruso underwent thorough vetting and was well regarded at the time of appointment but noted that once state investigators initiated arrest proceedings, removing him became a straightforward decision. The appointment, which took effect August 19, 2025, followed Caruso’s service in the Florida House from 2018 through 2022. Caruso, a certified public accountant and attorney with a business-administration degree from George Washington University, replaced former clerk Joseph Abruzzo.

The current charges include kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury. Caruso’s attorney maintains his client is innocent and intends to fight the charges. A Palm Beach County judge set a September 2 review date for Orange County officials to transport Caruso pending resolution of jurisdictional matters.

Florida Senate data indicates capital sexual battery applies when an adult sexually batteries a child under age 12 or injures their sexual organs during such acts, potentially resulting in death or life imprisonment without parole. The law directly challenges U.S. Supreme Court precedent against capital punishment for non-homicide child-rape convictions and could trigger significant constitutional litigation if applied.

Caruso remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence. If allegations are proven, his political connections will not shield him from consequences.