A former Florida state lawmaker who’s up for re-election as a court docket clerk was charged Tuesday with kidnapping and molesting a younger youngster — allegedly even urinating in his mouth on a cruise, in keeping with disturbing court docket paperwork.
Palm Seaside County Clerk and Comptroller Michael Caruso — a father of seven and longtime Little League coach — was accused of repeatedly molesting the boy, who is just not even 5, sources informed the Miami Herald.
The surprising allegations got here 13 years after his first spouse accused him of kid abuse, which he denied and blamed on her bitterness on the finish of their 31-year marriage, the outlet mentioned.
The present investigation stemmed from suspicious habits whereas Caruso was on a seven-day Royal Caribbean cruise in August 2025, in keeping with charging paperwork obtained by The Publish.
The official disappeared for an hour, saying he was getting the boy ice cream — with the boy’s dad noting that his son returned in numerous garments, and that Caruso’s hair was moist.
Shockingly, the boy then informed his dad that Caruso made him have a bathe with him — and that the aged man “peed” in his mouth, which he mentioned was “yucky,” the affidavit claimed.
It sparked an investigation that discovered the abuse started in November 2024, when Caruso took the boy to a fishing pond and “touched and tickled” his privates, in keeping with the affidavit.
In one other incident the identical month, Caruso allegedly uncovered his genitals to the boy, and performed a sport known as “tickle monster” which included Caruso groping the minor’s buttocks and crotch, the paperwork state.
The boy’s father confronted Caruso — who tried guilty his “evil” ex-wife for fabricating the allegations to show the 2 towards one another, in keeping with the affidavit.
“Should you inform anybody I’ll get arrested. I’ll simply go away. You inform anybody I’m going to jail,” he allegedly informed the sufferer’s father — whereas additionally claiming he’s solely interested in girls.
The boy has since been receiving therapeutic providers, with specialists telling his household he “reveals responses in step with trauma.”
Caruso’s first spouse and mom of their seven kids, Beverly Caruso, had beforehand accused him of sexually assaulting a toddler, which he denied, in keeping with 2013 divorce proceedings reviewed by the Miami Herald. The allegations had been additionally investigated by the Florida Division of Kids and Households.
Caruso, a former Republican member of the Florida Home of Representatives, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or engaging a toddler and youngster abuse.
Caruso’s was instantly suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis from serving as Palm Seaside County clerk of court docket and comptroller — a task he’s searching for re-election for in November, the Herald famous.
The suspension bars him from performing any official duties, receiving pay, or accessing any privileges of his public workplace, WPTV reported.
“This morning, our workplace was notified that Clerk Mike Caruso was arrested on critical legal prices. We’re awaiting further info from the Governor’s workplace on subsequent steps,” the Palm Seaside County Clerk of Courtroom’s workplace mentioned in an announcement.
“Whereas that is shocking information for our complete crew, it doesn’t change who we’re on the Clerk’s workplace or our dedication to the neighborhood and clients we serve.”
Caruso was elected to the Florida Home in 2018 and served till final yr. DeSantis then appointed him as Palm Seaside County’s Clerk of Courts and Comptroller.
