Full Breakdown
Ron DeSantis Suspends Palm Beach Clerk Michael Caruso After Child-Sex-Abuse Arrest
8/20/2026, 6:31:29 AM
Core Event
On Tuesday, Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Michael Caruso, 67, 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 made by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) with assistance from local police. Governor Ron DeSantis immediately issued an executive order suspending Caruso from all official duties, stripping him of pay and privileges, and appointing Shannon Ramsey-Chessman as clerk ad interim. Caruso was ordered held without bond and transferred to the Orange County Jail pending his first appearance.
Background & Context
Caruso, a former Republican state legislator, was appointed by DeSantis in August 2025 to fill the clerk’s post after serving seven years in the Florida House of Representatives. He was seeking re-election in November 2026, running unopposed in the Republican primary.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: 5 felony counts (kidnapping; lewd or lascivious molestation; lewd or lascivious exhibition; luring or enticing a child; child-abuse causing mental injury).
- Custody: Held without bond in the Orange County Jail.
- Suspension: Effective immediately; Caruso barred from performing any official act, receiving any salary, or accessing office resources.
- Interim leadership: Shannon Ramsey-Chessman sworn in as clerk ad interim.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor DeSantis said he was unaware of the allegations before Caruso’s appointment and described the removal as “a very easy decision.” Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest, noting that “being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability” and that the investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges possible.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Legal analysts note that the five charges do not explicitly match the statutory definition of “capital sexual battery,” which is required for a death-penalty sentence. Mark Schlakman, a former assistant general counsel for the Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, argued that the law “would pass constitutional muster” if applied, while other commentators caution that current precedent makes it uncertain whether the death penalty could be pursued in Caruso’s case. No court ruling on the applicability has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re the first state to reintroduce the death penalty for pedophiles,” — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the governor
- “Obviously it was a very easy decision for me to yank him from that position,” — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the governor
- “Being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability,” — Attorney General James Uthmeier, florida attorney
- “If he’s convicted, he is going to be in for a world of hurt,” — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the governor
- “This morning, our office was notified that Clerk Mike Caruso was arrested on serious criminal charges,” — Kathy Burstein, spokesperson
- “While this is surprising news for our entire team, it does not change who we are at the Clerk's office or our commitment to the community and customers we serve,” — Kathy Burstein, spokesperson
