WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was arrested Tuesday morning and immediately suspended from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis on five felony child sex abuse charges.
According to the arrest warrant and affidavit filed in Orange County Circuit Court, Caruso, 67, faces charges of kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child and child abuse causing mental injury.
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.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) August 18, 2026
The investigation is ongoing, and we will provide more information to the public at the…
During a recorded interview with Orange County law enforcement, the victim detailed multiple incidents spanning nearly a year. The child disclosed that around November 2024, Caruso took him fishing alone at a pond, touching him inappropriately.
The most serious allegations center on a seven-day Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Icon of the Seas that Caruso purchased for at least 10 family members in August 2025. Court documents state that while the ship was in international waters, Caruso separated the victim from other adults and engaged in inappropriate acts with the child.
When confronted by family members in December 2025, Caruso made several partial admissions while denying the most serious allegations.
Court documents reveal Caruso made threatening statements to his family, saying: "If you tell anyone I will get arrested. I will just go away. You tell anyone I'm going to jail." He also offered not to return to Orange County and suggested the matter didn't need to be reported.
During a February 2026 recorded conversation with law enforcement, Caruso claimed the allegations were "impossible" because sexual deviation is directed toward only one sex, and since he's attracted to women, he couldn't be a sex offender.
The victim has been receiving therapeutic services since April 2026 due to trauma from the alleged incidents. The Haba Law Firm is representing the victim in this case and has since released the following statement:
The charges stem from allegations that Caruso began grooming the young child in fall 2024, initially touching the child’s genitals, exposing his own genitals, and desensitizing the child to sexual contact. The conduct allegedly culminated on a cruise in August 2025, where he sexually battered the minor. Consistent with Florida’s Marsy’s Law, no identifying information about the child will be released.
“This arrest is a decisive line in the sand. When someone targets a child, they don’t just break the law — they shatter a community’s trust. We intend to make sure this survivor’s voice is heard through every step of this process,” said Lisa Haba, of The Haba Law Firm, the victim’s attorney.
The matter remains under active investigation. Formal charges are anticipated. Additional information will be released as the case progresses. Any questions, or any other individuals that have been victimized by Michael Caruso are encouraged to reach out. Anyone with information, please contact The Haba Law Firm at www.habalaw.com.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated with assistance from other agencies. FDLE is now overseeing the immediate transition of Caruso from office and ensuring no files or records are removed from the clerk's office.
Caruso's suspension prohibits him from performing any official duties, receiving pay, or accessing any privileges of public office.
Shannon Ramsey-Chessman — who is the chief of staff, chief deputy clerk and chief information Officer for Palm Beach County's Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller — was
While this is surprising news for our entire team, it does not change who we are at the Clerk’s office or our commitment to the community and customers we serve.
For decades, the Clerk's office in Palm Beach County has consistently stood for professionalism and outstanding service for our customers. That focus remains for every one of our 650 employees.\"","_id":"000001a0-15e3-db9a-a9ff-35e39df70000","_type":"c9242dcb-f580-3542-9f0d-c199afa594b1"}">"This morning, our office was notified that Clerk Mike Caruso was arrested on serious criminal charges. We are awaiting additional information from the Governor’s office on next steps. While this is surprising news for our entire team, it does not change who we are at the Clerk’s office or our commitment to the community and customers we serve. For decades, the Clerk's office in Palm Beach County has consistently stood for professionalism and outstanding service for our customers. That focus remains for every one of our 650 employees."Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo released the following statement regarding Caruso's arrest:
"The allegations detailed in today's arrest affidavit are sickening and horrifying. They describe the alleged sexual abuse of a very young child...
No title, political affiliation, personal relationship or position of influence places anyone above accountability. Governor DeSantis acted appropriately and decisively in immediately suspending Michael Caruso from office.
I have complete confidence in Shannon Ramsey-Chessman as she assumes leadership of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office. Shannon served as my Chief Deputy Clerk and Chief of Staff, and I know firsthand that she is a remarkable person and an exceptionally capable public servant. She possesses the integrity, experience and steady judgment necessary to lead the office through this difficult moment while protecting the public’s records, finances and trust.
Having previously served as Clerk and now as County Administrator, I understand the extraordinary responsibility entrusted to that office. Palm Beach County residents can be assured that its essential services will continue without interruption. The County Administration stands ready to support Shannon and her team through a lawful and orderly transition while respecting the Clerk’s constitutional independence and the integrity of the criminal investigation.
Our foremost and overriding concern must remain the alleged victim and his family. This child deserves protection, compassion and justice. I pray that he receives the care, strength and support necessary to heal."
Caruso will be taken to the Orange County Jail and held without bond pending first appearance. According to Attorney General James Uthmeier, more charges are expected, and the case is being prosecuted by Special Counsel Rita Peters and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Caruso was
