Caruso Released on Bond Amid Abuse Allegations | Lexington News

Former Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts Mike Caruso is out of jail after a judge ruled he can be released on a $160,000 bond, rejecting prosecutors’ request for continued detention. Arrested earlier this month on allegations of kidnapping and child sexual abuse — charges that prompted Governor DeSantis to suspend him — Caruso now faces new accusations from two adults claiming childhood abuse dating back over 20 years, including an alleged bathroom incident when the victim was just four. Prosecutors argued he posed a public danger and that victims’ families feared for their safety, but the judge found insufficient evidence to justify pre-trial confinement, citing missing photos, lost cruise ship surveillance, and weak investigative support. While the attorney general called the ruling “appalling,” Caruso’s defense hailed it as acknowledging flaws in the prosecution’s case. Caruso, who remains not guilty, is still running for his former office in November and is barred from contacting any alleged victims or witnesses. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/fe2280e4acfd8497