Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso, who served as a Republican state legislator, was arrested on Tuesday. He faces five felony charges related to child sex abuse.
Caruso, age 67, is married with seven children. He was appointed by Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The charges include kidnapping, child molestation, lewd exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury. The arrest affidavit reveals Caruso allegedly abused a child relative multiple times between fall 2024 and August 2025. Incidents allegedly occurred during events such as a family cruise, a fishing outing, and a Thanksgiving gathering. The child has been receiving therapeutic services since April 2026.
State Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized accountability, stating, “Being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability. This individual will face the full force of the law.”
Following the arrest, Governor DeSantis suspended Caruso from office immediately. Newsweek contacted both the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office and DeSantis’ office for comments.
Caruso’s Legislative Record
During his time representing District 87 in the Florida House, Caruso supported the 2023 Florida Capital Sexual Battery law. This law permits the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 12. Caruso voted in favor during the April 13, 2023 House session. DeSantis signed the bill in May 2023, and it became effective six months later.
Caruso faces reelection in November as an uncontested candidate, but the Florida GOP has requested he withdraw from the race.
The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office expressed surprise at the news. It awaits further instructions from the governor’s office. After the arrest, Shannon Ramsey-Chessman was appointed as interim clerk. Caruso’s website page is currently unavailable.
Caruso remains in custody at the Orange County jail without bond. The investigation is ongoing, and Uthmeier’s office anticipates additional charges.
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