- Michael Caruso was arrested on charges linked to child sexual abuse of a family member, as announced by state officials.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Caruso from public office shortly after the arrest was announced on Tuesday.
- During his first court appearance, Caruso was denied bond on five felony charges including kidnapping, child molestation, and child abuse causing mental injury.
- The sexual abuse reportedly began in 2024 and continued until at least August 2025, according to a probable cause affidavit.
- The victim of the sexual abuse was a boy under the age of 12, according to the affidavit.
- Caruso signed a no-contact order at his first appearance, forbidding him from contacting the victim or anyone under the age of 18.
- Caruso's arrest was announced by James Uthmeier, Florida's attorney general.
- DeSantis stated that it was an easy decision to suspend Caruso from his position upon hearing of the arrest.
- Caruso, who is 67 years old and a married father of seven, has faced previous allegations of sexually assaulting a child according to reports.
Michael Caruso, the suspended Palm Beach County clerk of courts, was arrested on charges of child sexual abuse involving a family member. The allegations include five felony counts: kidnapping, child molestation, lewd exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury.134
During his first court appearance, Judge Hafele denied Caruso bail, labeling the case a “no bond matter”. The abuse reportedly began in 2024 and continued until at least August 2025, affecting a boy under the age of 12.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis swiftly suspended Caruso from public office following the arrest, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. DeSantis stated, “I acted immediately on hearing of it to suspend him from office.” Caruso's attorney, Weiss, maintains his client's innocence, asserting that “Mr. Caruso is innocent of these allegations and intends to vigorously defend himself against these charges.”89
However, the Miami Herald reported that Caruso's personal history includes previous allegations of sexual assault against a child, documented in court records. In a 2013 divorce filing, Caruso claimed his ex-wife had orchestrated a false sex abuse case against him, which was investigated by local and state authorities in 2012.
“Caruso, 67, was arrested on charges of child sexual abuse that began in 2024 and continued until at least August 2025, involving a boy under 12. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis acted swiftly to suspend Caruso from office, stating, 'It was a very easy decision for me to yank him from that position.'”
Sun Sentinel
The Guardian
