Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was arrested Tuesday morning and immediately suspended from office by Governor Ron DeSantis on five felony child sex abuse charges.
According to the arrest warrant and affidavit filed in Orange County Circuit Court, Caruso, 67, faces charges of kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury.
During a recorded interview with Orange County law enforcement, the victim detailed multiple incidents spanning nearly a year. The child disclosed that around November 2024, Caruso took him fishing alone at a pond and “touched and tickled” his genitals.
On Thanksgiving Day 2024, while playing soccer outside at a family residence, the victim said Caruso fondled him, exposed himself to the child and touched the victim’s buttocks and crotch.
The most serious allegations center on a seven-day Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Icon of the Seas that Caruso purchased for at least 10 family members in August 2025. Court documents state that while the ship was in international waters, Caruso separated the victim from other adults under the pretense of getting ice cream.
When Caruso returned with the victim, family members noticed he was wearing different clothes than when he left and that his hair appeared wet and freshly combed. The victim later disclosed that Caruso showered with him during this time, placed his genitals in the child’s mouth, and urinated.
When confronted by family members in December 2025, Caruso made several partial admissions while denying the most serious allegations.
Court documents reveal Caruso made threatening statements to his family, saying: “If you tell anyone I will get arrested. I will just go away. You tell anyone I’m going to jail.” He also offered not to return to Orange County and suggested the matter didn’t need to be reported.
During a February 2026 recorded conversation with law enforcement, Caruso claimed the allegations were “impossible” because sexual deviation is directed toward only one sex, and since he’s attracted to women, he couldn’t be a sex offender.
The victim has been receiving therapeutic services since April 2026 due to trauma from the alleged incidents.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation with assistance from other agencies. FDLE is now overseeing the immediate transition of Caruso from office and ensuring no files or records are removed from the clerk’s office.
Caruso’s suspension prohibits him from performing any official duties, receiving pay, or accessing any privileges of public office.
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court’s office sent WPTV this statement Tuesday morning:
This morning, our office was notified that Clerk Mike Caruso was arrested on serious criminal charges. We are awaiting additional information from the Governors office on next steps.While this is surprising news for our entire team, it does not change who we are at the Clerks office or our commitment to the community and customers we serve.For decades, the Clerks office in Palm Beach County has consistently stood for professionalism and outstanding service for our customers. That focus remains for every one of our 650 employees.
Caruso will be transported to the Orange County Jail and held without bond pending first appearance. According to Attorney General James Uthmeier, more charges are expected and the case is being prosecuted by Special Counsel Rita Peters and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Caruso was appointed to the position in August 2025 by Governor Ron DeSantis, following seven years of service in the Florida House of Representatives. He is running for election in November to retain his position, but his name is not on today’s primary ballot since he is running uncontested.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details will be provided when available.