A 53-year-old Florida Keys man faces kidnapping and sex crime charges.
KEY LARGO, Fla. — A 53-year-old man was arrested after deputies said a teenage girl called 911 from a Key Largo home and was later found inside a clothes dryer.
Christopher Michael Veit remained in custody at the Monroe County Jail after authorities accused him of holding the girl against her will. Deputies said the case began Sunday morning when the teen reported that she was being held hostage. The allegations led to felony charges and a continuing investigation.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to Veit’s home after the girl made the emergency call. When deputies arrived, they found the teen inside a clothes dryer, according to investigators. Authorities said Veit restrained the girl, put her in the dryer and took her phone after she said she wanted to leave. Sheriff Rick Ramsay said the case was “extremely disturbing,” and investigators worked to secure the home and interview the victim after she was removed from the dryer.
The teen was taken to a hospital for treatment and later released to a family member, deputies said. Her name was not released because she is a minor. Investigators said the girl was from out of state. Authorities have not publicly said how long she had been at the home or how she came to be there. Deputies also said they found suspected counterfeit currency at the residence and notified the United States Secret Service.
Veit was charged with kidnapping by false imprisonment, interference with child custody and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Investigators said they found evidence of ongoing sexual activity between Veit and the teen. The charges are allegations, and Veit is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Jail records listed his bond at $650,000. A court date was scheduled for Aug. 4.
The case drew attention across South Florida because of the unusual rescue and the age of the victim. Deputies said the teen was able to call 911 before her phone was taken. That call led officers to the Key Largo property, where they found her hidden in the appliance. Authorities did not release detailed medical information about the teen but said she did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Investigators said more charges could be filed as the case continues. Detectives are reviewing evidence from the home, statements from the teen and records tied to the suspected counterfeit currency. The next major step in the case is Veit’s scheduled court appearance on Aug. 4.