Florida court clerk charged after alleged abuse aboard Icon of the Seas
Court filings describe allegations linked to an August 2025 cruise from Miami, while Michael Caruso has denied the alleged abuse.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso was arrested Tuesday and suspended from office following five felony child sex abuse charges, according to the report.
An arrest warrant and affidavit filed in Orange County Circuit Court list charges of kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury.
One allegation involves an August 2025 seven-night sailing aboard Icon of the Seas from Miami. Court documents allege Caruso, who is related to the child, separated the child from other adults on the premise of getting ice cream and engaged in inappropriate conduct while the ship was in international waters. The child later told investigators that Caruso showered with and sexually assaulted him during the cruise.
Caruso acknowledged taking the child fishing and separating him from his parents to get ice cream but denied the alleged abuse when confronted by the child’s father. The report said Caruso was expected to be transferred to Orange County Jail and held without bond until his first court appearance.
