PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The wife of suspended Palm Beach County clerk Mike Caruso has resigned from her positions on the board of the Health District of Palm Beach County and as vice chair of the Palm Beach State College Board of Trustees.
Tracy Caruso's resignations from these positions come nearly a week after her husband was arrested on child sexual abuse charges.
Tracy Caruso was appointed to the Health Care District of Palm Beach County Board by Gov. Ron DeSantis in December 2022.
In a statement released Monday, Tracy said she believes in her husband's innocence and stands "firmly beside him" as he faces these allegations.
"These accusations are false and do not reflect the man I know or the life we have built together. There is far more to this story than what has appeared in the headlines, including important context surrounding how these allegations came about," Tracy Caruso's statement said.
Below is a statement from Tracy Caruso regarding her resignation and her husband's arrest:
"I know my husband. I love Mike, I believe him, and I believe in his innocence. I stand firmly beside him as he faces these serious allegations and works to clear his name.
These accusations are false and do not reflect the man I know or the life we have built together. There is far more to this story than what has appeared in the headlines, including important context surrounding how these allegations came about. In short time, those facts will come to light.
Mike is entitled to the same presumption of innocence as anyone else. Allegations are not convictions, and accusations are not proof. I will not abandon him because others have rushed to judgment.
My place is beside Mike, and I intend to devote my attention and energy to standing with him through the fight ahead.
I am therefore resigning from the public boards on which I currently serve. I have great respect for these organizations and the people who serve them, and I do not want the circumstances confronting my husband to become a distraction from their important work.
This decision should not be mistaken for retreat or an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. It is a decision about where I need to be right now: beside my husband."
Below is a statement released by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County regarding the resignation:
"This news has sent shockwaves throughout our communities. While due process is an important component of our justice system, matters of this nature should never be taken lightly.
As a safety-net mental health care provider, the District knows firsthand the profound and lasting impact that sexual violence has on every victim, particularly when it occurs at a young age. We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected, and to all victims and survivors of such trauma.
The District respects Ms. Caruso’s decision to resign, and we are grateful for her years of dedicated service to Palm Beach County."
Below is a statement released by Palm Beach State College Chairman of the Board Dave Kerner:
"Today, Tracy Caruso tendered her resignation from the Palm Beach State College Board of Trustees. The Board will not comment further on this matter."
Mike Caruso is being held in an Orange County jail without bond, facing charges of kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child and child abuse causing mental injury.
Stay with WPTV.com and WPTV News for updates.
