Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was taken into custody Tuesday morning following a disturbing investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse. Immediately following the arrest, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending the 67-year-old official from his public duties. Caruso now faces a series of severe felony charges that have sent shockwaves through the local government and the South Florida community.
What happened
The charges against Caruso are extensive and include kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse resulting in mental injury. According to an affidavit filed in Orange County Circuit Court, the allegations involve a series of incidents that reportedly took place over the course of a year.
The investigation highlights two primary events. The first occurred in late 2024 during a private fishing trip, where the victim alleges Caruso engaged in inappropriate physical contact. The second set of allegations centers on a family vacation in August 2025 aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Investigators claim that while the vessel was in international waters, Caruso isolated the child from other family members to commit further acts of abuse.
When the family confronted Caruso regarding these allegations in December 2025, court documents indicate he made several partial admissions. He reportedly attempted to dissuade the family from contacting authorities, warning that he would be jailed and offering to stay away from the area if the matter remained unreported. Later, in a February 2026 interview with law enforcement, Caruso dismissed the accusations as “impossible,” arguing that his personal attractions precluded him from committing such offenses.
Context
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) led the investigation with assistance from several local agencies. Following the arrest, the FDLE moved quickly to manage the administrative transition at the Clerk’s office, ensuring that no sensitive records or files were tampered with or removed.
Caruso’s suspension is comprehensive. Under the Governor’s order, he is prohibited from performing any official functions, accessing his office, or receiving any taxpayer-funded salary or benefits. To maintain the continuity of government services, Shannon Ramsey-Chessman—who previously served as the chief of staff and chief deputy clerk—has been sworn in as the clerk ad interim.
The victim in this case has been under the care of therapeutic professionals since April 2026 to address the trauma resulting from the alleged abuse. The Haba Law Firm is currently providing legal representation for the victim’s family as the criminal case moves forward in the court system.
Why it matters
The arrest of a high-ranking constitutional officer like the Clerk of Court represents a significant breach of the public trust. The Clerk’s office is responsible for the integrity of court records and the management of public funds; seeing the head of this institution accused of such heinous crimes creates an immediate crisis of confidence.
Beyond the political and administrative fallout, the case underscores the gravity of child protection laws in Florida. The swift intervention by the Governor’s office and the FDLE demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach toward public officials accused of exploiting minors. As the legal proceedings transition to the trial phase, the focus remains on the judicial process and the well-being of the survivor, while the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office attempts to restore stability under new leadership.