Here's another conservative Republican arrested and jailed on child sex abuse charges. Suspended Palm Beach clerk of courts Michael Caruso, 67, was ordered held without bond. The charges filed against him include kidnapping, molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child and child abuse. Why does the Republican party seem to have a lot of child molesters?
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was denied bond during a court appearance Wednesday and is expected to be transferred to Orange County to face additional charges.
Caruso, who is represented by attorney Jason Weiss, requested to be transported to Orange County to address five charges filed there.
During Wednesday's hearing the judge said there is no deadline for Orange County authorities to pick him up. However, the court set a Sept. 2 recheck date. The hearing would allow the court to review Caruso’s status if he has not yet been taken to Orange County.
During the hearing, the judge imposed a strict no-contact order prohibiting Caruso from having any contact with the alleged victim, the victim's immediate family members, witnesses in the case or anyone under the age of 18.
At the outset of the hearing, the judge addressed Caruso's public position and made a statement for the record before ruling on bond.
"As Mr. Weiss is approaching, let the record reflect that I have never met Mr. Caruso, nor do I know him in any capacity other than the fact that he is now the suspended clerk of court," the judge said.The judge ultimately ordered that Caruso be held without bond.
Caruso's arrest was announced Tuesday by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who said the case was investigated with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local law enforcement agencies.
According to charging documents, Caruso faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child and child abuse causing mental injury.
Authorities have said the investigation remains ongoing.
Hours after Caruso's arrest, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending him from his position as Palm Beach County clerk of court.
Caruso remains in custody as the criminal case proceeds and ahead of his expected transfer to Orange County next month.
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