Palm Beach County Republicans briefly listed suspended Clerk Mike Caruso as an endorsed candidate despite his August arrest on allegations of sexually abusing a young family member. Caruso says he is innocent, remains on the November ballot and intends to assume office if elected, even as his campaign website is offline and recent filings show refunds to contributors and a vendor. The arrest—coming a year after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him—resulted in multiple charges, and the FDLE affidavit alleges the alleged victim was under age five.
Palm Beach County GOP Listed Suspended Clerk Mike Caruso As Endorsed Candidate Despite Child-Sex Charges
CBS 12 News
Palm Beach County Republicans briefly listed Mike Caruso — suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts — as an endorsed candidate in an online voter guide despite his August arrest on allegations of sexually abusing a young relative, The Miami Herald reported.
The endorsement post appears to have been removed from social media after it was posted. Caruso was suspended from his duties after his arrest, and the Republican Party entry listed him as an endorsed candidate in a voter guide distributed online.
Charges, Campaign Status and Official Statements
Caruso was arrested in August, roughly one year after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to the clerk position. He faces multiple charges, including kidnapping; lewd or lascivious molestation; lewd or lascivious exhibition; luring or enticing a child; and child abuse causing mental injury. The Miami Herald cited an FDLE arrest affidavit that alleges the alleged victim was under the age of five.
Caruso's spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, told The Herald that "he is still running for the clerk and comptroller post." Caruso issued a statement, relayed by Engelmayer: "I maintain my innocence and remain a candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. My name is on the November ballot, and I intend to win this election." He added that if elected he intends to take office and continue serving Palm Beach County.
The Herald also reported that Caruso's campaign website is currently offline and that recent campaign finance records show refunds to two contributors and a campaign-data vendor.
Allegations and Background
According to the FDLE affidavit, the incidents alleged included exposure and inappropriate touching during interactions with the child. The Herald reported that the alleged victim was younger than five. Caruso's first wife has also previously accused him of sexually assaulting a child; the couple share seven children. All allegations remain legally unproven, and Caruso has pleaded not guilty.
Note: These are allegations reported by The Miami Herald and detailed in the FDLE arrest affidavit; the accused is entitled to due process.
For further details, see the Miami Herald report: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article316719710.html#storylink=cpy
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