A government official appointed less than a year ago to lead one of Florida’s largest clerk offices is now facing a criminal investigation that has sent shockwaves through Palm Beach County.
Michael “Mike” Caruso, the 67-year-old Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, was arrested on August 18, 2026, on five felony charges connected to allegations of child sexual abuse.
The charges include kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury, according to authorities.
The arrest prompted immediate action from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who suspended Caruso from office the same day.
Caruso has not been convicted, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
Arrest Follows Months-Long Investigation Involving FDLE
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest, saying it involved “substantial assistance” from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and local agencies.
“Michael Caruso was arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse,” Uthmeier said in a post on X. “The investigation is ongoing, and we will provide more information to the public at the appropriate time.”
According to the reports, the conduct allegedly began in 2024 and continued into 2025. The allegations involve a young family member and include incidents authorities say occurred during family events and a 2025 Royal Caribbean cruise.
The investigation reportedly gained momentum after the child’s father raised concerns in late 2025. Authorities later conducted additional investigative steps before Caruso’s arrest.
Because the case is in its early stages, the allegations described in charging documents have not been tested in court.
DeSantis Issues Executive Order 26-170 Suspending Caruso From Office
Hours after the arrest became public, DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-170, immediately suspending Caruso from his position as Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
The order cited Caruso’s arrest and the five felony charges as the reason for the suspension.
It stated that:
“It is in the best interests of the residents of Palm Beach County, and the citizens of the State of Florida, that Michael Allen Caruso be immediately suspended from public office.”
The suspension prevents Caruso from exercising the authority of the clerk’s office, receiving compensation connected to the position, or using privileges associated with the role.
The order also directs officials to protect government property and records, including office files, computers, and storage devices.
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The action was taken under Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution, which allows the governor to suspend county officers charged with felonies.
However, the order does not determine whether Caruso committed the alleged crimes. It is an administrative suspension, not a criminal judgment.
The Florida Senate would ultimately have authority over whether a suspended official is removed permanently or reinstated. Caruso had been in the position for less than a year. DeSantis appointed him as Palm Beach County clerk in August 2025 following the departure of former clerk Joe Abruzzo.
Palm Beach County Office Moves Forward as Case Develops
Following Caruso’s suspension, Chief Judge Glenn Kelley appointed Shannon Ramsey-Chessman, the office’s chief deputy clerk, as interim clerk. Ramsey-Chessman has worked for the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office since 2021 and previously served as chief of staff and chief information officer.
The clerk’s office employs approximately 650 people and said its operations would continue despite the sudden leadership change.
“This morning, our office was notified that Clerk Mike Caruso was arrested on serious criminal charges,” spokesperson Kathy Burstein said. “We are awaiting additional information from the Governor’s office on next steps.”
The office later added:
“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.”
Investigation Continues as Questions Remain
The arrest has drawn attention because of Caruso’s public position and his recent appointment to office.
Meanwhile, Lisa Haba of the Haba Law Firm, which represents the alleged victim, released a statement following the arrest.
“This arrest is a decisive line in the sand,” Haba said. “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.”
Her statement reflects allegations made on behalf of the alleged victim and is not a court finding. Authorities have said the investigation remains active, and the criminal case will now move through the court system.
What happens next will depend on the evidence presented, prosecutors’ decisions, and the legal proceedings ahead.
This case raises difficult questions about trust, leadership, and accountability. What changes, if any, do you think public institutions should make after incidents like this?”
