DeSantis comments on potential death penalty for Palm Beach County clerk facing child sex abuse charges

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suggested that Michael Caruso, a former ally and Palm Beach County clerk of court, could face the death penalty if convicted of child sex abuse charges. Caruso, 67, was suspended from his duties following his arrest on charges including kidnapping and lewd molestation. DeSantis stated that Caruso could be in for a "world of hurt" if found guilty. The allegations involve multiple incidents of abuse against a young boy, including one on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Florida lawmakers passed a law in April 2023 allowing the death penalty for capital sexual battery of a child under 12, but it remains unclear if Caruso's charges qualify under this law. Mark Schlakman, a legal expert, noted that the outcome of such cases may be unpredictable if challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court. As of Wednesday, Florida has conducted 13 executions this year, the most of any state.