Tracy Caruso Resigns from Boards Amid Husband’s Legal Battle

Tracy Caruso, wife of suspended Palm Beach County Clerk Michael Caruso, resigned from public boards to support her husband during his legal ordeal. Michael Caruso faces serious charges, including felony child sex abuse. Tracy Caruso, a certified rape crisis counselor, asserts the accusations are false.

In a statement to WPTV, Tracy affirmed her unwavering belief in her husband’s innocence, stating, “I know my husband. I love Mike, I believe him, and I believe in his innocence.” Her resignation from the Health Care District of Palm Beach County and as vice chair of the Palm Beach State College Board of Trustees aimed to prevent her husband’s situation from impacting the boards’ work. Her departures do not indicate any wrongdoing.

Tracy Caruso, stepmother to seven children, was previously appointed to the Palm Beach County Housing Finance Authority by then-County Mayor David Kerner, according to county records.

Michael Caruso was arrested on August 18, facing charges including kidnapping, child molestation, and child abuse causing mental injury. His legal representatives denied the accusations, highlighting gaps in the allegations’ narrative.

Former Republican state legislator Michael Caruso had supported the death penalty for certain child sexual battery convictions. Despite a prior child abuse investigation in 2012, no charges were filed as police cleared the case due to lack of evidence.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who appointed Caruso in August 2025, suspended him immediately upon learning of the allegations. DeSantis described the charges as horrific and emphasized the state’s thorough case preparation.

Investigators allege multiple incidents with a relative from fall 2024 to August 2025, with therapeutic services provided to the victim since April 2026. Legal representatives for the victim stress the community’s trust was shattered by the alleged actions.

If convicted, Caruso faces a life sentence, with the possibility of a death penalty if indicted by a grand jury. He is held without bond, awaiting a pretrial detention hearing. DeSantis remarked, “If even half of these allegations are proven in court, he’s going to have the book thrown at him.”