Mike Caruso has assault rifles, too dangerous for release, prosecutors say

Suspended Palm Beach County courts clerk Mike Caruso “poses a threat” to the community, owns “at least two assault rifles,” and is too dangerous to be released from jail before his trial, state prosecutors argued in a motion filed Thursday in the politician’s child sex abuse case.

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“There are no conditions of release that would be reasonably sufficient to protect the community from the risk of physical harm,” the motion filed by statewide prosecutor Rita Pavan Peters says.

Among the factors prosecutors cited for keeping Caruso locked up are a reported history of physical violence, and a “similar” abuse accusation in 2013. In that instance he was observed “rubbing the shoulders and legs of a minor,” it says.

The motion also notes that Caruso, if convicted, faces life in prison, and if he is indicted by a grand jury, he could face the death penalty.

“If convicted, the defendant faces life in prison and at least one of the allegations contained within the probable cause affidavit would subject him to indictment by a grand jury and the maximum punishment of death, ‘’ the prosecutors’ motion stated.

Because of “the notoriety of the prosecution,” the motion says, the victim’s family is afraid, and “their fears are heightened should the defendant be released.”

The motion also indicates that prosecutors think Caruso might be a flight risk: It states that he “owns or has financial interests” in properties outside Florida.

His wife, Tracy Stein Caruso, disclosed owning an apartment in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to the Palm Beach County’s Health Care District and District Board of Trustees of Palm Beach State College.

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Mike Caruso, whom Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Tuesday morning on charges of kidnapping, molestation, lewd and lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse, is in jail in Orlando. His trial will be held in Orange County, where some of the crimes allegedly occurred.

READ MORE: ‘Child deserves privacy.’ DeSantis faces heat for outing victim in Caruso sex case

Caruso’s attorney, Jason Weiss, a former Palm Beach County prosecutor, said Wednesday that his client is “innocent of these allegations and intends to vigorously defend himself.” He said he would be seeking “appropriate bond conditions” for Caruso’s release.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who suspended Caruso from office, said in public remarks this week that parts of the prosecution could take place in South Florida. He did not provide details, but one of the alleged instances of child sexual abuse took place on a cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, that departed from PortMiami.

DeSantis appointed Caruso to the clerk’s post in 2025 after he was facing term limits in his state House seat. Caruso, a Republican, was elected to the Florida House in 2018.

The case was assigned to Orange County Circuit Judge Barbara Leach. At a hearing on Aug. 25, the issue of Caruso’s detention will be argued. Caruso entered a plea of not guilty Thursday.

“He’s in for a world of hurt if these allegations are proven in the court of law,” DeSantis, his former ally, said in public remarks this week.

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