Mike Caruso, appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the Palm Beach County clerk of courts, was arrested on Tuesday morning on charges related to child sexual abuse. The alleged victim is one of Caruso's grandchildren, a boy under 12 years old. According to a probable cause affidavit, the alleged abuse began in 2024 and continued until at least 2025. Caruso faces five felony charges: kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse (mental injury).
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest, and Governor DeSantis subsequently suspended Caruso from his public office. Caruso is currently being held without bail in the Orange County Jail and is awaiting a court appearance.
The affidavit states that Caruso's son became aware of the abuse in October of the previous year when he observed his son engaging in sexual activity with his younger brother. After intervening, the boy disclosed that his grandfather had showered with him on a cruise and performed a sexual act. Investigators were informed that Caruso had molested the child days before Thanksgiving the previous year.
When confronted, Caruso acknowledged showering with his children but denied any wrongdoing regarding the alleged victim. He suggested that his former wife could have fabricated the allegations to turn the child against him.
Caruso was appointed to his position by DeSantis in August of the previous year and was running for reelection in November without any Republican challengers. It is unclear if he will appear on the general election ballot in three months. This incident raises questions about the implications for DeSantis, as his allies have previously used the term 'groomer' to accuse opponents of pedophilia.