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Judge Mike Caruso Released on Bond After Evidence Deemed Insufficient for Pretrial Detention

A judge ruled Friday that Mike Caruso, the suspended Palm Beach County Clerk, should be released from jail pending trial. Circuit Judge A. James Craner set a bond of $160,000 and ordered Caruso to surrender his passport and firearms, while also requiring him to stay out of Orange County except for scheduled court appearances. The ruling came after prosecutors failed to show a substantial probability that Caruso committed the offenses alleged in the case. Defense attorney Jason Weiss challenged the reliability of the child's molestation allegations, highlighting gaps in the investigation and the fact that the child was questioned 11 times before the forensic interview. Special Agent Reuben Roach testified that the child's disclosures remained consistent, but the judge noted concerns regarding the timeline and missing cruise records. Caruso maintains his innocence completely. Despite his arrest, Caruso remains on the November ballot as the Republican candidate for Palm Beach County Clerk, though he could still resign and be replaced by the party.

Sources