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Bond set at $160K for former Palm Beach County clerk accused of child sex abuse

Michael Caruso, 67, faces charges including kidnapping and lewd or lascivious molestation stemming from allegations involving a child victim over nearly a year

WPTV

Michael Caruso makes first appearance in Palm Beach County court Aug. 19, 2026.

By: Aja Dorsainvil

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and last updated

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Suspended Palm Beach County Clerk Michael Caruso is being released on a $160,000 bond following a pretrial hearing Friday in Orange County.

Judge A. James Craner set bond at $50,000 each for kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation and lewd or lascivious exhibition, and $5,000 each for luring or enticing a child and child abuse causing mental injury.

According to the arrest warrant and affidavit filed in Orange County Circuit Court, Caruso, 67, faces all five charges. The allegations involve multiple incidents with a child victim spanning nearly a year, including incidents during a family cruise in August 2025. The victim disclosed the abuse during a recorded interview with Orange County law enforcement and has been receiving therapeutic services since April 2026.

When confronted by family members in December 2025, court documents state Caruso made partial admissions while making threatening statements about potential consequences if the allegations were reported.

As conditions of his release, Caruso must have no contact — directly or indirectly — with the child victim or any witness. He must surrender his passport, is not permitted to return to Orange County except for court appearances, and is prohibited from possessing firearms. He has already surrendered his firearms.

Tracy Caruso, his wife, was present in court Friday and said she is prepared and has the funds to pay the bond.

Tracy Caruso resigned Monday from her position on the board of the Health District of Palm Beach County and as vice chair of the Palm Beach State College Board of Trustees.

The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections has not received a withdrawal from candidate Caruso. Based on the current status of the election, his name will remain on the ballot.

"In the event of a candidate withdrawal, our office will follow the applicable procedures set forth in Florida Statutes, Rules, and any other guidance provided by the Department of State Division of Elections," the Supervisor of Elections said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Read more of WPTV's coverage on the Caruso case below: