Full Breakdown
Palm Beach County Clerk Arrested on Child-Sex Abuse Charges; Governor DeSantis Suspends Him
8/19/2026, 10:15:41 PM
Core Event
On Tuesday, Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Michael Caruso was taken into custody on five felony counts—kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child-abuse causing mental injury. The arrest was announced by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order the same day suspending Caruso from all official duties.
Background & Context
Michael Allen Caruso, 67, served in the Florida House from 2018 until his resignation in August 2025. DeSantis appointed him to the clerk’s office in August 2025, a role overseeing 670 employees, an $80.1 million budget, and a salary of roughly $212,385.
Timeline
- Fall 2024 – Alleged abuse of a male relative begins, according to the arrest affidavit.
- October 2025 – The victim’s father reports sexualized behavior to police.
- December 2025 – The father confronts Caruso; Caruso denies abuse.
- February 2026 – Recorded conversation in which Caruso says the allegations are “impossible” because he is attracted to women.
- Tuesday (early August 2026) – Caruso is arrested; DeSantis suspends him and appoints Shannon Ramsey-Chessman as interim clerk.
- Wednesday, August 19 2026 – First court appearance scheduled; he is ordered held without bail.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: 5 felony counts.
- Salary & Budget: $212,385 annual salary; $80.1 million operating budget.
- Staff: Approximately 670 employees.
- Victim Age Discrepancy: Sources describe the victim as “under 5” or “under 12.”
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney General Uthmeier said, “Being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability.” Governor DeSantis called the suspension “a very easy decision” and warned that a conviction would result in “a world of hurt.” The clerk’s office called the arrest “surprising news” but said services would continue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability,” — Attorney General James Uthmeier
- “When someone targets a child, they don’t just break the law — they shatter a community’s trust.” — Lisa Haba, attorney
- “If he's convicted, he is going to be in for a world of hurt.” — Gov. Ron DeSantis
- “But once they were willing to go and pull the trigger on the arrest, obviously it was a very easy decision for me to yank him from that position.” — Gov. Ron DeSantis
- “If you report this to authorities there won’t be any of me left, I can tell you that,” — Michael Allen Caruso
Criticism & Opposition
Local resident Libby Sullivan, a mother and grandmother, said, “I don’t know anything about it firsthand… I’m a mother and grandmother and never think a child should be victimized.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Victim’s age: The Independent cites a boy “under 5,” while the Sun-Sentinel and court documents list “under 12.”
- Prior allegations: Some reports note a 2001 physical-abuse investigation that was cleared; others reference a 2013 divorce filing in which Caruso’s ex-wife claimed a “false sex-abuse case.” Outcomes remain unverified.
What’s Next
Caruso remains held without bail in the Orange County Jail pending his August 19 appearance. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will assist with the clerk’s office transition, and the Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee may consider a replacement candidate for the November ballot if Caruso withdraws. The investigation continues, and additional charges are expected, according to Attorney General Uthmeier.
