Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso, a former Republican state legislator who previously backed the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually battering children under 12, was arrested Tuesday on five felony child sex abuse charges. The 67-year-old married father of seven who was appointed by Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces five felony counts: kidnapping, child molestation, lewd exhibition, luring or enticing a child and child abuse causing mental injury, an arrest affidavit shows. Investigators in Florida say Caruso violated a child—who is a relative—and allege the abuse occurred multiple times from fall 2024 to August 2025, including on a family cruise, a fishing outing and during a Thanksgiving gathering.
The child has been receiving therapeutic services since April 2026, according to the police affidavit. "This individual will face the full force of the law.”DeSantis, who named Caruso to serve as court clerk and comptroller in August 2025, immediately suspended him from office Tuesday. Newsweek has reached out to the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office and DeSantis’ office for comment via email.
While representing District 87 in the Florida House, Caruso backed what is now known as the 2023 Florida Capital Sexual Battery law. The legislation allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually battering a child under the age of 12. Caruso is listed as a “Yea” in the April 13, 2023, House vote.
DeSantis signed the bill in May 2023 and it took effect six months later.The Republican is up for reelection in November but is not appearing on Tuesday’s primary ballot, as he is running uncontested. The Florida GOP called on Caruso to immediately drop out of the race. The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller's office called the news “surprising” for our “entire team” and said it is awaiting additional information from the governor’s office on further steps.
Following the arrest, Shannon Ramsey-Chessman was sworn in as clerk ad interim. As of Tuesday afternoon, Caruso’s official page on the clerk's office website was unavailable. Caruso was booked into the Orange County jail and is being held without bond.
The investigation remains ongoing and Uthmeier's office expects more charges. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Anna Commander and Edward T.
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