Florida Governor Suspends Former Ally After Child Abuse Arrest

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday suspended Michael Caruso, a former state representative and senior Palm Beach County official, after Caruso was arrested on five felony child sexual abuse charges. The arrest, announced by Attorney General James Uthmeier, involved allegations that Caruso molested a male relative under age 12 during 2024 and 2025, including on family trips.

Caruso, 67, was denied bond during his first court appearance in West Palm Beach. He had previously served as clerk of court and comptroller for Palm Beach County and was known for supporting a 2023 law that allows the death penalty for sexual battery of a child under 12.

"It was a very easy decision for me to yank him from that position," DeSantis told reporters, adding that Caruso was "well regarded in the community" but would face serious consequences if convicted.

The governor said he was not aware of any prior allegations, though court records reviewed by the Miami Herald indicated earlier accusations of child sexual assault and a 2013 divorce filing in which Caruso claimed a false abuse case had been filed against him.

Caruso’s attorney, Jason Weiss, said the former official is innocent and will vigorously defend himself, requesting his transfer to Orange County for bond conditions.

The suspension follows DeSantis’s recent appointments of Caruso’s wife to several county boards, highlighting the close political ties between the governor and the former ally.