State prosecutors asked a Florida judge to keep former Palm Beach County Clerk Mike Caruso in jail without bond pending his trial on child sex abuse charges. Caruso was arrested on Tuesday and entered a not guilty plea on Thursday, while Orange County Circuit Judge Barbara Leach will consider his detention at a hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Prosecutors argued that no bond arrangement could protect the community, citing two or more assault rifles he owns, an account of past violent behavior, and a 2013 complaint in which he was accused of touching a minor’s shoulders and legs. They added that he could leave Florida because of property holdings and financial interests, including a Manhattan apartment disclosed by his wife. The filing said the alleged victim’s family fears increased risk if Caruso is released. His attorney Jason Weiss, a former Palm Beach County prosecutor, said Caruso is innocent and will defend himself vigorously, seeking release under appropriate bond terms. Caruso faces felony counts of kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury, with potential life imprisonment and a possible death sentence if indicted. The alleged victim is a relative under 12 years old who had unsupervised access to Caruso, including on the cruise ship Icon of the Seas during an August 2025 family vacation that sailed from PortMiami. Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Caruso on the day of his arrest, a move made one year after appointing him to the clerk position, and the executive order included his arrest affidavit containing victim information. The Haba Law Firm, representing the victim, asked media outlets to redact identifying details about the child. Former Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book condemned the administration for releasing the victim’s information. DeSantis said vetting of Caruso appeared clean despite available court records and predicted Caruso would face severe consequences if allegations are proven. The judge will rule on the detention request on Tuesday, and the decision may influence the upcoming November election for county clerk.