Michael Caruso, the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court and a former Republican state legislator, was arrested on Tuesday for five felony child sex abuse charges. Caruso, aged 67, is a married father of seven. He was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican. The charges include kidnapping, child molestation, lewd exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury, as detailed in an arrest affidavit.
Investigators allege that Caruso abused a child, who is a relative, on multiple occasions from fall 2024 to August 2025. The incidents reportedly took place during a family cruise, a fishing outing, and a Thanksgiving gathering. The child has been undergoing therapeutic services since April 2026.
Being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability. This individual will face the full force of the law.
These words were expressed by state Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Governor DeSantis appointed Caruso as court clerk and comptroller in August 2025. Following the arrest, the governor suspended Caruso from his position. Newsweek reached out to both the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office and DeSantis’ office for comments.
Caruso’s Legislative Support
During his time representing District 87 in the Florida House, Caruso supported the 2023 Florida Capital Sexual Battery law. This law permits prosecutors to seek the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually battering a child under 12. Caruso voted in favor of the legislation on April 13, 2023. Governor DeSantis signed the bill into law in May 2023, with it taking effect six months later.
Caruso is scheduled for reelection in November but is uncontested in Tuesday’s primary ballot. The Florida GOP has called for him to exit the race immediately.
The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office described the news as “surprising” and is awaiting more instructions from the governor’s office regarding future actions. Following his arrest, Shannon Ramsey-Chessman has been sworn in as the interim clerk. Caruso’s profile was removed from the clerk’s office website as of Tuesday afternoon. He is detained at the Orange County jail without the possibility of bond. The investigation continues with the expectation of additional charges, according to Uthmeier’s office.
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