Palm Beach Clerk of Court suspended by Gov. DeSantis hours after his arrest on child sex abuse charges
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was arrested on child sex abuse charges involving a minor under 12, leading to his immediate suspension by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The charges include lewd molestation, kidnapping, and child abuse, with alleged incidents occurring between late 2024 and August 2025, involving a family member.
Why it matters
This is a significant legal and political development involving a high-ranking public official, highlighting serious allegations of child abuse and the swift action taken by the state's governor. It impacts public trust in government officials and the justice system.
A top Palm Beach County court official was arrested early Tuesday on charges related to child sexual abuse involving a minor less than 12 years old, according to an announcement from Florida's Attorney General.Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on X Tuesday morning that Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso, 67, was arrested with "substantial assistance" from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local law enforcement agencies. Governor Ron DeSantis ordered Caruso's suspension effective immediately in response to his arrest. In his executive order, DeSantis noted the charges Caruso is facing, which include lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, kidnapping, child abuse causing mental injury, and luring or enticing a child. What Caruso is being accused of According to his arrest affidavit, the victim is a family member of Caruso, described as a boy who lives in Orange County with his parents and younger brother.
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