Mike Caruso, the suspended Palm Beach County clerk of courts who was arrested on child sexual abuse charges on Tuesday, made his first appearance in court on Wednesday morning.
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Wearing prison garb and shackles and represented by attorney Jason Weiss, he briefly appeared before Circuit Judge Donald Hafele to hear the charges. Hafele denied Caruso bail, stating that the allegations are a “no bond matter.” Caruso will be extradited to Orange County in Central Florida.
He is facing five felony counts related to the abuse of a young family member: kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse (mental injury). The sexual abuse began in 2024 and continued until at least August 2025, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The victim of the sexual abuse was a boy under the age of 12, according to the affidavit. The boy lives in Orange County, and the affidavit describes specific encounters between Caruso and the child on a fishing trip, on a cruise out of Miami and during a holiday gathering.
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Caruso also signed a no-contact order at his first appearance that forbids him from having any contact with the victim or immediate family members of the victim, as well as anyone under the age of 18.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Caruso from public office shortly after the arrest was announced on Tuesday.
His next hearing is set for Sept. 2.
This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
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