Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso, a former Republican state legislator, was arrested Tuesday on five felony charges related to child sex abuse. Caruso, 67, a married father of seven, faces allegations including kidnapping, child molestation, and child abuse causing mental injury, according to an arrest affidavit.
Authorities in Florida allege that Caruso abused a child, who is a relative, multiple times between fall 2024 and August 2025. The alleged incidents occurred on a family cruise, a fishing outing, and during a Thanksgiving gathering. The child has been receiving therapeutic services since April 2026.
“Being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability,” state Attorney General James Uthmeier stated. “This individual will face the full force of the law.”
Governor Ron DeSantis, who appointed Caruso as court clerk in August 2025, suspended him from office on Tuesday. Newsweek reached out to the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office and DeSantis’ office for comments.
Caruso’s Political Support for the Death Penalty
Caruso previously supported the 2023 Florida Capital Sexual Battery law, which permits prosecutors to seek the death penalty for the sexual battery of children under 12. Caruso voted in favor of the bill in April 2023, and DeSantis signed it into law in May 2023. It became effective six months later.
Caruso, who is running for reelection unopposed, is now urged by the Florida GOP to withdraw from the race.
Reaction and Current Status
The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office called the arrest “surprising” for the “entire team.” They are awaiting more information from the governor’s office regarding further action. Shannon Ramsey-Chessman has been appointed as clerk ad interim.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Caruso’s official page on the clerk’s office website was unavailable. He is being held without bond in the Orange County jail, and the investigation continues with expectations of additional charges. The story is covered by Newsweek editors Anna Commander and Edward T. Cummins.