AI Generated Image
Palm Beach Clerk of Court suspended by Gov. DeSantis hours after his arrest on child sex abuse charges
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso, 67, was arrested on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse involving a minor under 12, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local agencies.
- The alleged abuse, involving a family member, reportedly began in fall 2024 and culminated during a Royal Caribbean cruise in August 2025, including incidents of molestation and inappropriate touching.
- Governor Ron DeSantis immediately suspended Caruso from office, barring him from duties, pay, or access to office privileges, and ordered FDLE to assist in securing the clerk's office.
- Caruso admitted to some interactions with the child but denied abuse, threatening consequences if the allegations were reported; a recorded meeting with the child's father corroborated some details of the incidents.
- The investigation is ongoing, with Caruso held without bond in Orange County Jail, and additional charges are expected according to Attorney General James Uthmeier.
