WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Michael “Mike” Caruso was arrested Tuesday morning on five felony charges stemming from allegations involving the sexual abuse of a child.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest Tuesday morning, saying Caruso was taken into custody with substantial assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local law enforcement.

“The investigation is ongoing, and we will provide more information to the public at the appropriate time,” Uthmeier said.

Caruso, 67, faces five felony charges, according to an arrest warrant and probable cause affidavit filed in Orange County Circuit Court:

• Kidnapping

• Lewd or lascivious molestation

• Lewd or lascivious exhibition

• Luring or enticing a child

• Child abuse causing mental injury

The charges are allegations, and Caruso is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Allegations Date Back to 2024

According to the arrest affidavit, the allegations involve multiple incidents reportedly occurring over a period beginning in 2024.

Investigators say the child described the alleged incidents during a recorded interview with Orange County law enforcement.

One allegation involves a fishing trip around November 2024 during which Caruso allegedly took the child alone to a pond. The affidavit contains allegations of inappropriate sexual contact during that outing.

Investigators also documented allegations involving Thanksgiving Day in 2024.

Another significant portion of the investigation centers on a seven-day Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Icon of the Seas in August 2025. According to the affidavit, Caruso purchased the cruise for a group of family members.

Authorities allege that while the ship was in international waters, Caruso separated the child from other adults and additional inappropriate conduct occurred.

Because the case involves a child, IRC Media is withholding unnecessary details of the allegations.

DeSantis Immediately Suspends Caruso

Hours after the arrest, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-170 suspending Caruso from his position as Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.

The suspension took effect immediately.

Under the order, Caruso is prohibited from performing the duties of the office, receiving his government salary or exercising the privileges associated with the position while suspended.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is assisting with the transition at the Clerk's Office.

According to reports citing the executive order, FDLE was also directed to ensure that files and records are not removed from the office during the transition.

The Palm Beach County Clerk's Office acknowledged the arrest Tuesday morning and said the situation does not change its commitment to serving the public.

Former Florida Lawmaker

Caruso is also a former member of the Florida House of Representatives.

A certified public accountant, Caruso served in the Florida House beginning in 2018 before being appointed by DeSantis to become Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in August 2025.

The timing is notable: DeSantis announced Caruso's appointment on August 18, 2025 — exactly one year before Caruso's arrest on August 18, 2026.

Caruso was subsequently sworn into the clerk's position on August 19, 2025.

As Clerk and Comptroller, Caruso held a significant position of public trust. The office is responsible for court records while also performing financial functions for Palm Beach County, including duties involving county finances and public records.

Investigation Continues

The criminal case is being handled through Orange County, where the warrant was issued by a judge in Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Uthmeier emphasized Tuesday that the investigation remains active.

Because this is a developing criminal case, additional information — and potentially additional allegations or charges — could emerge as investigators and prosecutors continue their work.

IRC Media will continue monitoring court filings and official statements as the case develops.

Editor’s Note: All criminal charges described in this report are allegations. Michael Caruso is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

IRC Media uses aggregated public data and verified sources; articles reviewed by editorial team to the best of our ability.