DeSantis Ally Suspended After Arrest on Child Sex Abuse Charges

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, file photo

Michael Caruso — an ally of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and former state legislator — was arrested Tuesday and immediately suspended as Palm Beach County Clerk after disturbing allegations of child sex abuse became public.

The arrest and suspension came exactly one year after DeSantis appointed Caruso to his county clerk position.

Caruso faces multiple child sex abuse charges, according to state Attorney General James Uthmeier.

The 67-year-old has been charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury, WPTV reported.

The victim, who was under 12, reportedly described several instances of abuse to authorities, which took place over a year and included Caruso allegedly playing “tickle monster” with the child, touching the child’s genitals, and, in another instance, allegedly putting his own genitals in the child’s mouth, according to the Miami Herald. 

Caruso repeatedly isolated the victim and played “tickle” games with the child, multiple outlets reported.

The alleged abuse came to light after the victim was apparently caught by a parent performing a “sexualized” act on a sibling, and revealed the incident with Caruso, according to Florida Politics.

Caruso had been accused of sexual abuse by family members more than a decade ago, the outlet noted.

DeSantis appointed Caruso as Palm Beach County Clerk on Aug. 18, 2025, after Caruso spent seven years in the state House of Representatives. Caruso was running unopposed for re-election as clerk.

Uthmeier announced the arrest and credited help from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in the case.

“Early this morning, with substantial assistance from FDLE and local law enforcement, Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse. The investigation is ongoing, and we will provide more information to the public at the appropriate time.”

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