A Florida court clerk and former state lawmaker faces kidnapping and child molestation charges after allegedly abusing a boy younger than 5 years old, including a disturbing incident on a cruise ship where he allegedly urinated in the child’s mouth.
Cruise Ship Incident Triggers Investigation
Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller Michael Caruso was arrested Tuesday following an investigation that began during a seven-day Royal Caribbean cruise in August 2025. The father of seven and longtime Little League coach disappeared with the young boy for an hour, claiming he was getting ice cream. When they returned, the boy wore different clothes and Caruso’s hair was wet. The child then told his father that Caruso forced him to shower together and performed the disturbing act, calling it yucky, according to charging documents obtained by The Post.
The investigation uncovered a pattern of alleged abuse dating back to November 2024. Court documents state Caruso took the boy to a fishing pond where he touched and tickled the child’s private areas. Later that month, prosecutors say he exposed himself to the victim and played a game called tickle monster that involved groping the minor’s buttocks and crotch.
Suspect Threatened Father Into Silence
When confronted by the boy’s father, Caruso allegedly attempted to shift blame to his ex-wife, claiming she fabricated the allegations to damage their relationship. He then threatened the father into silence, warning that disclosure would lead to his arrest and imprisonment. Caruso also claimed he is only attracted to women, according to the affidavit. The victim now receives therapeutic services, with specialists confirming he exhibits responses consistent with trauma.
Disturbing History Emerges
This marks the second time Caruso has faced child abuse accusations. His first wife Beverly accused him of sexually assaulting a child during their 2013 divorce proceedings after 31 years of marriage. The Florida Department of Children and Families investigated those claims, which Caruso denied, attributing them to his ex-wife’s bitterness. He now faces charges including kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse.
Political Career Halted
Governor Ron DeSantis immediately suspended Caruso from his position as Palm Beach County clerk of court and comptroller. The suspension bars him from performing official duties, receiving pay, or accessing privileges of public office. Caruso, a former Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, was seeking re-election in November. The clerk’s office released a statement acknowledging the arrest while emphasizing their continued commitment to serving the community despite the shocking development involving their elected leader.