NewsWLRN — South Florida NPR (Government & Politics)August 18, 2026Miami-Dade
Lauren Book alleges state failure to protect child victim privacy in Mike Caruso arrest records
Former state Senator Lauren Book claims that state law enforcement violated the spirit of Marsy's Law by failing to adequately redact sensitive information in records released regarding the arrest of former Palm Beach County Clerk Mike Caruso. Book argues that the released documents contained enough identifying details to expose the child victim's identity.
Read the full story at WLRN — South Florida NPR (Government & Politics)Why It Matters
The dispute centers on the application of , a constitutional amendment that grants crime victims the right to keep identifying information private to prevent harassment or disclosure of confidential details.
Key Facts
- Mike Caruso was arrested Tuesday on child sexual abuse charges by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local police.
- Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Mike Caruso from his position as Palm Beach County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller.
- Lauren Book alleges that the state failed to redact enough information in the released arrest records to protect the child victim's identity.
- Marsy's Law, approved by voters in 2018, grants victims the right to prevent disclosure of information that could be used to locate or harass them.
- Lauren Book is currently running for a state Senate seat against Republican Jerusa Zitta.
Who's Mentioned
personLauren Book“Former state Senator and candidate for state Senate.”personJerusa Zitta“Republican candidate for state Senate.”otherMarsy's Law“Constitutional amendment providing rights to crime victims.”personTina Polsky“Democratic state Senator leaving office.”organizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“Agency responsible for the arrest and release of records.”personMike Caruso“Former Palm Beach County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller arrested on chil”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who suspended Mike Caruso from office.”