Former Florida lawmaker, accused in child sex crimes, appears in court. What’s next?

Michael Caruso, a Republican former state lawmaker and current Palm Beach County clerk appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, was arrested on felony child abuse charges. Caruso had previously supported legislation for harsh penalties including the death penalty for people convicted of child sexual abuse. He was suspended from his position following the arrest.

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National story. 13 articles from 12 sources. 11 are on the bar; 1 is an international, entertainment or tech outlet, listed separately. Updated Aug 20, 2026.

How each side is putting it

Left

5 sources
Tampa Bay TimesLean Left· Aug 19, 2026

Former Florida lawmaker, accused in child sex crimes, appears in court. What’s next?

HuffPostLeft· Aug 19, 2026

Gov. Ron DeSantis Suspends Palm Beach Clerk In Wake Of Child Sex Abuse Charges

NBC NewsLean Left· Aug 18, 2026

DeSantis ally and appointee is arrested on child sex abuse charges

Orlando WeeklyLeft· Aug 18, 2026

Former Florida Republican lawmaker Michael Caruso arrested, charged with sexually abusing grandson

The New RepublicLeft· Aug 18, 2026

DeSantis Appointee Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Center

5 sources
NewsweekCenter· Aug 18, 2026

Republican Who Backed Death Penalty for Pedophiles Faces Child Sex Charges

ForbesCenter· Aug 18, 2026

DeSantis Ally In Florida Arrested On Child Sex-Abuse Charges

WFLACenter· Aug 18, 2026

Florida Clerk of Circuit Court, Comptroller arrested, accused of child sex abuse

FOX 13 TampaCenter· Aug 18, 2026

Palm Beach County clerk Mike Caruso arrested in child sex abuse case, Florida AG says

NBC 6 South FloridaLean Left· Aug 18, 2026

Palm Beach Clerk of Court arrested on charges related to child sex abuse, AG says

Right

1 source
Independent Journal ReviewRight· Aug 20, 2026

DeSantis Weighs In After Former Ally Faces Child Abuse Charges

Other outlets

International, entertainment and tech outlets, by their rating. Not counted in the bar above. How we count coverage

Left

1 article
The GuardianLean Left· Aug 19, 2026

Florida governor suspends former close ally over child sexual abuse charges

Center

0 articles

None

Right

0 articles

None

The story so far

2 developments
  1. Aug 18Ex-Florida state representative arrested on child sex abuse charges
  2. Aug 18Republican Who Backed Death Penalty for Pedophiles Faces Child Sex Charges

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Last development · Aug 18 — Republican Who Backed Death Penalty for Pedophiles Faces Child Sex Charges