Palm Beach County Clerk Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges

Why it matters locally: The arrest and subsequent suspension of a Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts, a former state representative, directly impacts local governance and the administration of justice within Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis's swift action to suspend Caruso highlights the state's response to felony charges against public officials.

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PALM BEACH, Fla. — Authorities arrested Michael Caruso, Palm Beach County's Clerk of Courts, on Thursday, charging him with child sex abuse and kidnapping. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis subsequently suspended Caruso from his position via an executive order. The arrest stems from an ongoing investigation. Officials did not immediately release details regarding the specific allegations or the nature of the investigation. Caruso, who assumed office as Clerk of Courts in January 2021, previously served as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives. His current term as Clerk of Courts was scheduled to conclude in 2025. Governor DeSantis's executive order cited Caruso's arrest on felony charges as the basis for the suspension. The suspension removes Caruso from his duties effective immediately. The office of the Clerk of Courts manages public records, court filings, and financial records for Palm Beach County.