Florida’s Palm Beach County Clerk Michael Caruso arrested on five felony child abuse charges
(Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts Michael Caruso, arrested)
Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Michael Allen Caruso, 67, was arrested Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, on five felony charges involving the alleged sexual abuse of a child under 12, according to law enforcement officials and court documents.
Caruso, a former Florida state representative and political ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, was appointed by DeSantis in August 2025 to serve as Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. He had previously represented Florida in the House of Representatives for seven years.
The charges against Caruso are:
- kidnapping,
- lewd or lascivious molestation,
- lewd or lascivious exhibition,
- luring or enticing a child, and
- child abuse causing mental injury.
He is being held without bond pending his first court appearance.
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What Is Caruso Accused of Doing?
According to the arrest affidavit reported by CBS News Miami, the alleged victim is a young boy who is a relative of Caruso. Investigators say the alleged abuse began in 2024 and continued through a family cruise in August 2025.
Among the allegations, Caruso is accused of taking the child fishing alone and touching him inappropriately. Investigators also say the child described inappropriate touching during a game of “tickle monster.”
The most serious allegations involve a Royal Caribbean cruise that departed from Port Miami in August 2025. Investigators allege Caruso separated the child from his parents by offering to take him for ice cream. The child later told investigators that Caruso showered with him and sexually assaulted him.
Authorities also allege Caruso exposed himself to the child and engaged in other inappropriate sexual contact during separate encounters.
The child has since received therapeutic services. Investigators reported that a therapist observed behaviors consistent with trauma.
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How Was Caruso Caught?
The investigation began after the child’s father became concerned about the child’s behavior in October 2025. The child subsequently disclosed allegations involving Caruso.
The father confronted Caruso about the accusations. According to the affidavit, Caruso denied sexually abusing the child but acknowledged taking him fishing and separating him from his parents during the cruise.
Law enforcement later arranged for conversations between the father and Caruso to be recorded. In one February 2026 conversation, Caruso allegedly warned the father about reporting the accusations to authorities.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with local law enforcement agencies, ultimately assisted in the investigation that led to Caruso’s arrest.
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Will Caruso Still Run for Re-Election?
Caruso had filed paperwork in February 2026 seeking election to a full term as Palm Beach County Clerk. However, his arrest and suspension have dramatically changed the situation.
DeSantis immediately suspended Caruso from office following his arrest. Under the governor’s executive order, Caruso is prohibited from performing the duties of the office and from receiving his public salary or other benefits associated with the position.
The suspension does not itself constitute a criminal conviction, and the criminal case remains pending.
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Who Is Running the Clerk’s Office Now?
Palm Beach County Chief Judge Glenn Kelley appointed Shannon Ramsey-Chessman to serve as Clerk Ad Interim.
The Clerk’s Office said the arrest does not change its commitment to serving the public and noted that the office has approximately 650 employees.
DeSantis also directed FDLE to assist with the transition and ensure that official files, records, computers and storage media remain secure.
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What’s Next?
Caruso is expected to be transported to Orange County Jail and remain in custody without bond until his first court appearance. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the investigation remains active and that additional charges are possible.
Caruso is accused of serious crimes, but the allegations remain allegations unless and until proven in court. The case has also generated controversy over the release of information that could potentially identify the child. The child’s attorney has criticized the disclosure and called for greater protection of the alleged victim’s privacy.
For now, Caruso remains suspended from his elected office, the criminal investigation continues, and the question of his political future remains unresolved. For more on Florida’sPalm Beach County Clerk being arrested for child sexual abuse, see the video below.
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(Sources: Huff Post, TMZ, CBS News)
(Cover photo of Caruso with Trump, image credit: X)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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