Suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts Michael Caruso remained in custody Wednesday following his arrest on allegations that he sexually abused a young member of his family.
Caruso appeared before Circuit Judge Donald Hafele while restrained at his wrists and waist, according to CBS News Miami. The former county official faces accusations connected to alleged incidents in South Florida and the Orlando area involving a relative who was younger than 12.
At the beginning of the proceeding, Hafele addressed any potential questions about impartiality by stating for the record that he had never personally met Caruso. The judge explained that he knew the defendant only through Caruso’s former position as Palm Beach County’s elected clerk of courts.
Authorities arrested Caruso on Tuesday. Although the initial hearing occurred in Palm Beach County, officials in Orange County have also lodged charges against him and are seeking his transfer.
During the court appearance, Hafele informed Caruso that he was wanted in Orange County and asked whether the defense would waive a formal reading of that warrant. Caruso’s attorney agreed to do so.
Hafele declined to establish bond during Wednesday’s proceeding. Instead, he left the question for an Orange County judge to consider after Caruso is transferred to that jurisdiction.
The court also imposed strict no-contact restrictions while the criminal case remains pending.
Caruso was ordered to have no communication with the alleged victim or members of the child’s family. The restrictions extend to all individuals under the age of 18. After Hafele explained those conditions, Caruso indicated that he understood them.
Caruso’s defense attorney denied the allegations and said his client plans to contest the charges.
In a statement provided to CBS News Miami, the attorney maintained that Caruso is innocent and intends to mount a vigorous legal defense. The legal team also expressed hope that Caruso would be moved to Orange County promptly so a judge there could determine whether bond should be granted and what conditions might accompany his release.
The allegations remain unproven, and Caruso is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
Caruso had already been suspended from his elected position before his latest arrest. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis removed him from office temporarily after an earlier criminal case, preventing him from exercising the duties of Palm Beach County clerk while the legal proceedings continue.
As clerk, Caruso had been responsible for an office that maintains court records and performs numerous administrative functions within the county justice system. The elected position also carries responsibility for safeguarding public documents and managing certain county financial records.
His arrest has therefore generated particular attention because of both the seriousness of the accusations and his former role within the court system.
The immediate legal proceedings will now shift to Orange County, where prosecutors are expected to provide additional details concerning the accusations arising from that jurisdiction. A judge there will also decide whether Caruso may be released while awaiting trial.
Until that hearing occurs, Caruso will remain incarcerated and subject to the contact restrictions entered by the Palm Beach County court.
