by Gershon Harrell
TOPICS:
ORLANDO, Fla. (CBS12) — Gov. Ron DeSantis said it was an easy decision to “yank” suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Mike Caruso from his position after felony sexual abuse charges were filed against him, calling the accusations “truly horrific allegations.”
During a news conference in Orlando, DeSantis spoke about the allegations against Caruso, saying “he’s in a world of hurt if these allegations are proven in a court of law.”
“Now once the arrest happened, I mean, for me, that was an easy decision to yank him from that position. The standard of proof that I go on is beyond reasonable doubt, and so that suspension will be upheld. I have no doubt, regardless of what happened with the criminal case,” DeSantis said.
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DeSantis’ remarks came after Caruso was arrested Tuesday and charged with five felonies involving the alleged abuse of a child. Caruso is accused of kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury.
"These are very, very tough cases. But I think the amount of work that's gone into this has been merited. I think you've got to pull out all the stops to be able to protect children. And if even half of these allegations get proven in court, he's going to have the book thrown at him like few defendants will," said DeSantis.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the alleged victim is a family member and a boy under the age of 12.
If convicted, Caruso could face up to life in prison.
Following Caruso’s arrest, DeSantis suspended him from his position as Palm Beach County clerk of the circuit court and comptroller. DeSantis says that suspension will be upheld.
Caruso made his first court appearance in Palm Beach County on Wednesday. He was later transferred to Orlando, where he was booked into the Orange County Jail.
"I think it's something — and people that have worked in sex crimes, I think, can talk about this — is when you have these very young kids that get abused, overwhelmingly, it is by a family member. I mean, that's just the reality," said DeSantis.
DeSantis appointed Caruso as Palm Beach County clerk of the circuit court and comptroller in August 2025. Caruso is a former Republican state representative who served in the Florida House.
"He was highly recommended for this position down in Palm Beach County. He had a clean vet when he was vetted by the people. But the people that do this sometimes are people that, out in public, you wouldn't think would do it or that hold themselves up," said Desantis.
