Clerk Caruso Charged
Palm Beach Clerk Michael Caruso, DeSantis Ally, Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges
Key Points
Caruso faces a broad set of charges, including lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, kidnapping, child abuse causing mental injury, and luring or enticing a child, per the Attorney General’s announcement.
Authorities describe the alleged abuse as starting in fall 2024 (including a fishing trip) and culminating on a family cruise in August 2025, with the boy reportedly confessing to two separate incidents during church-labeled events and the father learning of concerns in October after witnessing concerning behavior.
The August 2025 Royal Caribbean cruise sailed from Port Miami (roughly Aug. 24–29, 2025); Caruso purchased 10 cruise tickets on his personal credit card as part of the trip, which involved the alleged victim and his family.
Caruso was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in August to serve as Palm Beach County clerk of the circuit court and comptroller after Joe Abruzzo resigned; he had previously served as a state legislator since 2018 and was a longtime DeSantis ally.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso, a close ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, was arrested on five felony charges tied to child sexual abuse, according to CBS News and Fox 13 News. The charges include kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, child abuse causing mental injury, and luring or enticing a child.
DeSantis suspended Caruso from his post by executive order just hours after the arrest, CBS News reported. Caruso, 67, had been appointed to the clerk role by DeSantis last year and was running unopposed for re-election.
Alleged Abuse Spanned a Fishing Trip and a Cruise
The alleged abuse began in fall 2024 during a fishing trip, according to WESH. The victim, a boy under 12, later told others about two separate incidents that happened during what were described as church events. His father learned something was wrong in October after seeing concerning behavior.
The abuse allegedly continued into August 2025. Caruso bought 10 cruise tickets on his personal credit card for a Royal Caribbean trip that sailed from Port Miami around August 24–29, Head Topics reported. The victim and his family were on that cruise. Authorities say the most recent alleged incident happened during that trip.
DeSantis Suspends His Own Appointee Within Hours
DeSantis appointed Caruso to serve as Palm Beach County clerk of the circuit court and comptroller after the previous clerk, Joe Abruzzo, resigned, The Center Square reported. Caruso had served as a state legislator since 2018 before taking the clerk role. He was a longtime DeSantis ally.
Hours after the arrest, DeSantis moved fast. He signed an executive order suspending Caruso from office pending the outcome of the case, CBS News reported. No Republican challengers had filed to run against Caruso in the primary for the seat.
Florida Attorney General Announces Charges, Probe Ongoing
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the charges, according to Fox 13 News and The Center Square. The case was tied to Orange County, Florida, though Caruso held office in Palm Beach County. Officials said they would release more details as the investigation moves forward.
Authorities noted that Caruso's former wife had raised allegations before this investigation began. Those earlier claims do not appear to be resolved as part of the current case. Officials said the investigation is still ongoing, WESH reported.
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