Michael Caruso, a Republican appointee of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, was arrested on August 18, 2026, on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse. The charges include kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, and child abuse causing mental injury, as reported by the state's attorney general and local news outlets. Caruso, who was appointed as the Palm Beach County clerk of courts, has been suspended from his position and is currently being held without bail in Orange County Jail.
According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office report, Caruso allegedly molested a relative, who was under five years old, multiple times since fall 2024. The report details incidents where Caruso allegedly exposed himself and touched the child inappropriately. In one instance, he reportedly separated the child from his parents under the pretext of getting ice cream and engaged in inappropriate behavior.
The child's parents became concerned due to changes in the child's behavior and reported the incidents to law enforcement. Caruso allegedly denied wrongdoing when confronted and requested that the allegations remain private. The child is currently receiving psychological care due to the trauma experienced.
Caruso's previous marriage included allegations of child sexual abuse, which he denied. His office issued a statement expressing surprise at the news but reaffirmed their commitment to the community. Caruso was running unopposed for re-election as clerk at the time of his arrest.