The suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of Court and Comptroller accused of child sexual abuse was back in court Friday where a judge granted him bond.
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Michael Caruso, 67, was arrested last week on charges including kidnapping, molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child and child abuse.
In court Friday, a judge granted him a $157,000 bond, ordered him to surrender his passport, and told him to stay away from the alleged victim.
During the hearing, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agent testified about the accusations that he said involved a child under 5 across multiple jurisdictions.
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One of the alleged incidents happened on a cruise ship, the other in Orange County when the child was 3, the agent said. The young victim is someone Caruso knew, authorities said.
Caruso has pleaded not guilty and his attorney said he plans to vigorously defend himself.
Earlier this week, his wife, Tracy Caruso, released a statement supporting her husband and claiming his innocence.
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Caruso following his arrest.