# Arrest and suspension of Michael Caruso > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/arrest-and-suspension-of-michael-caruso > Updated: 2026-08-23T12:08:52.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. Michael Caruso, the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller and a former Florida state lawmaker, was arrested on five felony charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a young relative. The charges include kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury. Investigators allege the incidents occurred on multiple occasions between late 2024 and August 2025, including during family outings such as a cruise and a fishing trip. Following the arrest by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local police, Governor Ron DeSantis immediately suspended Caruso from his official duties, prohibiting him from performing official acts or receiving pay. The case has drawn attention to Caruso’s legislative record; while serving in the Florida House, he voted in favor of House Bill 1297, a law allowing prosecutors to seek the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually battering children under the age of 12. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Michael Caruso arrested on felony child abuse charges Former Florida legislator and current Palm Beach County Clerk Michael Caruso faces five felony charges for the alleged sexual abuse of a child relative. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-caruso-arrested-on-felony-child-abuse-charges ### 2026-08-18: Michael Caruso arrested on child sexual abuse and kidnapping charges Palm Beach County Clerk Michael Caruso was arrested on five felony child sexual abuse and kidnapping charges. Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended him from office following the arrest. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-caruso-arrested-on-child-abuse-and-kidnapping-charges --- Cite as: Arrest and suspension of Michael Caruso. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/arrest-and-suspension-of-michael-caruso