Gov. DeSantis Suspends Palm Beach Clerk After Arrest On Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Michael Caruso after Caruso was arrested on multiple charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a young child.

Caruso, 67, faces counts that include kidnapping; lewd or lascivious molestation; lewd or lascivious exhibition; luring or enticing a child; and child abuse (mental injury). The governor issued an executive order the same day barring Caruso from performing any official acts and suspending his pay while the matter is under investigation.

Allegations and Investigation

According to an affidavit included with the arrest paperwork released by the governor’s office, the allegations describe incidents beginning in 2024 and continuing into 2025. The filings say a child under the age of 5 made disclosures after a parent observed concerning behavior in October 2025. The child reportedly described multiple incidents, including inappropriate touching and other sexual contact alleged to have involved Caruso.

Law enforcement says the child’s father confronted Caruso on two occasions and spoke with Caruso’s wife at least once. At the request of investigators, the father recorded a second conversation in February 2026, in which Caruso allegedly warned: "If you report this to the authorities there won't be any of me left, I can tell you that." The child is reported to be receiving therapeutic services.

Official Responses

Attorney General James Uthmeier said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local agencies assisted in the early-morning arrest and that the investigation remains active. Gov. DeSantis praised state law enforcement’s work and said their actions made the decision to suspend Caruso straightforward. DeSantis also said he was unaware of these allegations when he appointed Caruso in August 2025.

"When someone targets a child, they don't just break the law — they shatter a community's trust," said Lisa Haba, the child's attorney, calling Caruso's arrest "a decisive line in the sand." Haba also criticized the release of materials she says identified the child and urged officials and media to redact identifying details to protect the victim's privacy.

Background And Next Steps

Caruso served seven years in the Florida House of Representatives and was appointed to the clerk’s post by DeSantis in August 2025. He had filed paperwork in February 2026 to run for re-election. Records show Caruso has been active in local civic organizations over decades, including youth sports and community advisory boards.

Caruso is being held in jail without bond pending his first court appearance. Palm Beach County Chief Judge Glenn Kelley named Shannon Ramsey-Chessman to serve as Clerk Ad Interim. The Clerk of Courts communications office said the team was surprised by the arrest but remains committed to serving the public.

Those seeking support after sexual violence can contact resources such as RAINN or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.