An influential legislative figure associated with Governor Ron DeSantis was arrested early Tuesday on serious charges relating to child sexual abuse.
This arrest stems from a seven-month investigation led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Michael Caruso, who had previously been appointed by DeSantis as the Palm Beach County Clerk, was taken into custody by state law enforcement officials.
Shortly after DeSantis appointed Caruso, who had a longstanding relationship with him, the governor issued a suspension order. This decision prohibits Caruso from engaging in any work activities related to his position and bars him from entering county property.
Facing five charges—including kidnapping, indecent sexual abuse of a minor under 12, child enticement, and child abuse—Caruso is currently being held without bail in the Orange County Jail. Interestingly, he was running unopposed in the Republican primary for a county seat this upcoming fall.
Over the last seven years, Caruso gained considerable influence at the state Capitol, endorsing the governor’s policies. His relationships within the executive branch were beneficial, leading to a notable appointment as the director of the City of Palm Beach’s staff office.
However, this alliance swiftly disintegrated when Attorney General James Usmayer took office. The investigation was prompted by allegations made by Caruso’s grandson, with accusations of abuse reportedly occurring from fall 2024 to August 2025. These incidents allegedly happened at various locations, including fishing holes in Orange County and during cruises.
The court documents reveal family conflicts and even wiretapping by state agents. When confronted by the victim’s father in late 2025, Caruso denied engaging in any form of physical abuse but ominously cautioned against notifying local authorities, claiming that bringing these charges to light would lead to severe consequences for him.
In a recorded phone call earlier this year, Caruso expressed a sense of urgency, predicting that an investigation would end badly for his career. During a spring meeting, he acknowledged awareness of his daughter’s accusations, stating he was avoiding family interactions due to the rumored claims.
Throughout his time in the House, Caruso was an advocate for some of the strictest penalties against child sex offenders. He supported legislation allowing for the death penalty in cases of child sexual assault and tougher penalties for child trafficking.
In response to the scandal, state leadership acted quickly to manage the situation. Attorney General James Usmayer emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that those in positions of trust must still answer to the law. He acknowledged the thorough investigation by the FDLE and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Meanwhile, the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office has assured the public that operations will continue normally, with Shannon Ramsey Chessman taking over as interim Clerk. Prosecutors have indicated that they are still exploring the case and that additional charges may arise in the future.
