FLORIDA — Mike Caruso, Clerk of the Circuit Court &
Comptroller for Palm Beach County, was arrested Tuesday, August 18, and faces
several serious charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a minor in his
family.
Caruso, 67, was detained following an investigation led by
Florida authorities. According to court documents, the charges include
kidnapping, lewd acts or sexual abuse of a minor, indecent exposure, enticement
or solicitation of a minor, and child abuse, among other offenses.
The alleged victim is a five-year-old boy, identified in the
documents as Caruso's paternal grandson. According to the arrest affidavit,
authorities are investigating events that allegedly began in late 2024 and
continued during a family cruise in 2025.
The investigation began after the child's father observed
concerning behavior, and the child later revealed alleged instances of abuse.
Authorities also stated that Caruso allegedly attempted to discourage family
members from reporting the incidents.
Caruso was appointed in August 2025 by Florida Governor Ron
DeSantis to the position of Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for
Palm Beach County, after serving seven years in the Florida House of
Representatives.
Following the arrest, DeSantis suspended Caruso from his
position. Shannon Ramsey-Chessman was sworn in as acting secretary of the
office.
Caruso remains in custody without bail while the legal
proceedings continue.