Tracy Caruso, wife of Michael Caruso, the suspended Palm Beach County Clerk, has resigned from public boards to support her husband. Michael Caruso faces multiple felony child sex abuse charges. Tracy Caruso, a certified rape crisis counselor, deems the accusations against her husband as ‘false.’ She expressed her belief in his innocence and commitment to standing by him during this period.
Tracy Caruso stepped down from the Health Care District of Palm Beach County and as vice chair of the Palm Beach State College Board of Trustees on August 24. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had appointed her to these positions in 2022 and 2025, respectively. Despite the severe allegations, she emphasized her resignation was not an admission of wrongdoing. Her objective was to prevent her husband’s situation from affecting the boards’ work.
Tracy Caruso, stepmother to seven, also held a position with the Palm Beach County Housing Finance Authority, an appointment by then-County Mayor David Kerner in 2025. Her husband, Michael Caruso, 67, was arrested on August 18, facing five serious charges including child molestation and lewd exhibition. These charges stem from incidents investigators allege occurred between fall 2024 and August 2025.
Tracy Caruso remarked that the accusations did not align with the man she knew. She mentioned that there is further context to the allegations, which she believes will be revealed in time. News sources have contacted representatives for the Carusos but are awaiting further comments.
Michael Caruso, a former Republican state legislator, had previously supported the death penalty for child sexual abuse cases involving specific criteria. He made his initial court appearance in Orlando, pleading not guilty to the charges. Past records obtained by Newsweek uncovered a previous child abuse investigation into Caruso in 2012, which was eventually labeled unfounded due to a lack of evidence.
Following the allegations, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis immediately suspended Michael Caruso from his role. DeSantis clarified that he was unaware of any such allegations prior to Caruso’s appointment, noting that Caruso was highly recommended and had passed initial vetting processes.
Governor DeSantis described the accusations as ‘truly horrific’ and praised the thorough investigation conducted by authorities. He remarked on the importance of severe penalties in cases of child abuse, especially when familial relations are involved. The state re-enacted the death penalty for offenses similar to those alleged against Caruso, which Caruso himself had supported in previous legislation.
Investigations suggest the alleged abuse involved a relative and occurred on several occasions, including family settings like a cruise and Thanksgiving. The child involved has been receiving therapeutic support since April 2026. If convicted, Caruso could face a life sentence or potentially the death penalty, as stated by prosecutors.
Currently held without bond in an Orange County jail, Michael Caruso is awaiting a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for August 25. Governor DeSantis highlighted the gravity of the charges, suggesting significant consequences if the allegations are proven.