Mike Caruso arrested on child sex abuse charges
Sun Sentinel • • nation
Key Points:
- Mike Caruso, Palm Beach County clerk of courts and ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, was arrested on multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse of his grandson, according to state officials.
- Caruso faces five felony charges including kidnapping, lewd molestation, child abuse, and luring a child, with abuse occurring from 2024 to at least August 2025; the victim is a boy under 12.
- The allegations came to light when the victim's father noticed inappropriate behavior between his sons and confronted Caruso, who denied the abuse but acknowledged other allegations from a daughter.
- Caruso was suspended from office by Gov. DeSantis shortly after the arrest; political procedures are underway to potentially replace him on the November ballot if he resigns as a candidate.
- Caruso, appointed in 2025 and a former state legislator, had a prior investigation in 2001 for alleged child physical abuse that was closed without charges.
