Florida Department of Law Enforcement

A Jacksonville, Florida man has been charged with two felonies after investigators say he voted in the 2024 General Election despite not being a U.S. citizen. Antonio Padrigan, 51, a lawful permanent resident born in Mexico, was arrested Oct. 6 on a warrant alleging unqualified non-citizen elector willfully voting and false affirmation of oath.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement opened its investigation after a July complaint from the state's Office of Election Crimes and Security. Records show Padrigan registered to vote and cast a ballot in Duval County on Nov. 5, 2024, falsely claiming citizenship on his registration form. An audit later flagged his non-citizen status, and election officials sent certified notices warning he could be removed from the rolls; he did not respond. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services later confirmed he had never obtained citizenship. During questioning, Padrigan reportedly admitted he was not a citizen, had voted, and had previously declined an opportunity to apply for citizenship. He was released on bond with conditions including surrender of his passport.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, speaking Wednesday in Orlando, weighed in on Florida's primary results and a scandal involving one of his own appointees. He dismissed Angie Nixon's chances against Sen. Ashley Moody in November, calling the progressive state lawmaker's Senate bid unlikely to succeed statewide, and touted Florida's growing GOP voter registration advantage. He also backed Ryan Elijah, who defeated embattled Rep. Cory Mills in the GOP primary, saying Mills' nomination would have put the seat at risk in the general election.

DeSantis called the arrest of Michael Caruso, whom he appointed Palm Beach County clerk of courts, a "gut punch." Caruso, 67, a former state representative once praised by DeSantis, faces five felony charges including kidnapping, molestation, luring and enticing a child, lewd and lascivious exhibition, and child abuse. Authorities say the victim, Caruso's grandson under age 12, described abuse on three occasions, including during a Thanksgiving 2024 incident and aboard a cruise ship in August 2025. Caruso denied the allegations when confronted and is being held without bond in Orange County. DeSantis suspended Caruso and installed an interim clerk; Attorney General James Uthmeier said Caruso would "face the full force of the law," and reports indicate a daughter had previously made similar allegations.