Gov. DeSantis suspends Palm Beach County clerk after felony child abuse charges

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WINK) — Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Michael Allen Caruso from office following his arrest on five felony charges related to alleged child sexual abuse.

According to an executive order issued by the governor's office, Caruso was arrested Aug. 18, 2026, and charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child and child abuse causing mental injury. The charges stem from allegations involving a male child under 12 years old who is Caruso's paternal grandson.

The executive order states the arrest warrant and affidavit detail the alleged crimes. DeSantis invoked his constitutional authority to suspend county officers for commission of a felony.

"Under my administration, Florida is a law-and-order State," DeSantis said in the executive order.

The suspension prohibits Caruso from performing any official duties, receiving pay or allowances, or being entitled to any privileges of public office. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was requested to assist in the immediate transition and ensure no files, papers, documents or records are removed from the clerk's office.

According to the arrest affidavit, the victim's father observed concerning behavior in October 2025 and the child disclosed alleged abuse by Caruso. The affidavit details alleged incidents occurring in Orange County around Thanksgiving 2024 and during a family cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas in August 2025.

Several images featuring Caruso that previously appeared on the Palm Beach County clerk's official Facebook page no longer appeared on the page following his arrest. The page posted this message on Tuesday:

The affidavit states Caruso allegedly isolated the victim during the cruise under the pretext of getting ice cream. The child disclosed to law enforcement that Caruso showered with him and committed sexual acts during that time.

When confronted by the victim's father in December 2025, Caruso allegedly made statements including asking the father not to tell anyone and saying he would "go away" if reported. In a February 2026 conversation recorded at law enforcement's request, Caruso allegedly stated there wouldn't be "any of me left" if the matter was reported to authorities.

The victim has been receiving therapeutic services in Orange County since April 2026. The affidavit states the child exhibits responses consistent with trauma and continues to receive psychological care.

The suspension remains in effect until a further executive order is issued or as otherwise provided by law. The executive order notes it may be amended if additional facts illustrating grounds for suspension are discovered.

The Palm Beach County clerk's Facebook page announced that Shannon Ramsey-Chessman, who previously served in several leadership roles within the clerk's office, was sworn in as the office's interim clerk by 15th Judicial Circuit Judge Bradley Harper.