Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso, a former Republican state legislator, was arrested on Tuesday on multiple felony child sex abuse charges. Known for previously supporting the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually battering young children, Caruso now faces serious accusations.

The 67-year-old, who has a family of seven children, was appointed by Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. He is charged with five felonies: kidnapping, child molestation, lewd exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury. An arrest affidavit reveals that Caruso allegedly violated a child relative on several occasions between fall 2024 and August 2025. Incidents reportedly took place on a family cruise, a fishing trip, and during a Thanksgiving gathering. The alleged victim is receiving therapeutic services since April 2026.

“Being in a position of public trust provides no shield from accountability,”

stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. He assured that Caruso would encounter the full rigor of the law.

Governor DeSantis, who appointed Caruso as court clerk and comptroller in August 2025, suspended him immediately following the arrest. Both the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office and DeSantis’ office have been contacted for comments.

Caruso’s Legislative Record

In his capacity as District 87 representative in the Florida House, Caruso supported the 2023 Florida Capital Sexual Battery law. This legislation permits the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually assaulting children under 12. Caruso voted in favor during the April 13, 2023, House vote. DeSantis signed the bill into law in May 2023, which took effect six months later.

Caruso is slated for reelection in November but is not listed on Tuesday’s primary ballot due to an uncontested race. The Florida GOP urged Caruso to withdraw from the election immediately.

The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office expressed surprise at the news. The office is waiting for more guidance from the governor’s office on the matter. In the wake of the arrest, Shannon Ramsey-Chessman assumed the position of interim clerk. As of Tuesday, Caruso’s official webpage was inactive.

Caruso was processed at the Orange County jail and is held without bond. The investigation is continuing, with more charges anticipated, according to Uthmeier’s office.

For further information, Newsweek editors Anna Commander and Edward T. Cummins are the contacts for this story.