Michael Caruso, a 67-year-old Republican appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as Palm Beach County’s clerk of courts and comptroller, faces arrest on multiple charges of child sex abuse involving a young boy over a span of more than 18 months.
Details of the Allegations
Authorities arrested Caruso on Tuesday following an investigation by local police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The charges include lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, kidnapping, child abuse causing mental injury, and luring or enticing a child. According to a probable cause affidavit, Caruso had regular unsupervised access to the victim and allegedly abused the child more than half a dozen times beginning in November 2024.
The affidavit states that some incidents occurred under the guise of playing “tickle monster” with the boy. The abuse allegedly took place at the child’s home, during fishing trips, and while on a family cruise. Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized that holding a position of public trust offers no protection from accountability under the law.
Political Connections and Response
Caruso served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2018 to 2025 before DeSantis appointed him to the Palm Beach County position one year ago. He also campaigned alongside DeSantis in Iowa during the governor’s 2024 presidential bid. After the arrest became public, DeSantis immediately suspended Caruso from his post through an executive order and stated that if convicted, Caruso would face severe consequences under Florida’s death penalty law for convicted pedophiles.
During a news conference, DeSantis said he had no knowledge of any allegations before appointing Caruso, describing him as having passed a clean vetting process and being well-regarded in the community. The governor called his decision to remove Caruso from office straightforward once the accusations surfaced.
Investigation Timeline
The case began unfolding in December when the boy’s father confronted Caruso about the alleged abuse. During that conversation, Caruso reportedly denied the accusations but acknowledged showering with his own children and admitted facing previous allegations of sexual battery by a female relative. He allegedly warned the father that reporting the matter would result in his imprisonment.
In February, the father confronted Caruso again while wearing a wire for state investigators. During that recorded conversation, Caruso allegedly urged silence and claimed the allegations were impossible based on his attraction to women. Despite the ongoing investigation, Caruso remains a candidate for re-election to retain his county position in November. Attorneys for Caruso could not be reached for comment.