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Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso Arrested on Five Felony Child Sex Abuse Charges

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was arrested Tuesday morning on five felony charges related to child sexual abuse, including kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, and child abuse causing mental injury. The 67-year-old Republican, who was appointed to the position by Governor Ron DeSantis in August 2025, was immediately suspended from office following the arrest. Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that the arrest was made with the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local agencies. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are expected. The alleged abuse occurred multiple times between fall 2024 and August 2025, including during a family cruise and a fishing excursion. Governor Ron DeSantis noted that he was unaware of the allegations prior to Caruso's appointment, describing the alleged crimes as horrific. Because Florida now has a death penalty for convicted pedophiles, DeSantis warned that Caruso will face significant consequences if found guilty. Shannon Ramsey-Chessman has been sworn in as clerk ad interim.

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