Inset: Christopher Michael Veit (Monroe County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Miramar Drive in Key Largo, Florida (Google Maps).
A Florida man has been jailed after authorities accused him of holding a teenage girl captive and forcing her into a clothes dryer.
Christopher Michael Veit, 53, was booked into the Monroe County Jail on charges of kidnapping by false imprisonment, interference with child custody, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. In a Facebook update, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to Veit’s Key Largo home Sunday morning after a teenage girl dialed 911 and reported that she was being held hostage.
Deputies arrived at the residence shortly before noon and said they discovered the girl inside the dryer. Investigators said the teen told them Veit had restrained her and then forced her into the appliance. He also allegedly took her phone after she said she wanted to leave. Authorities said the girl did not suffer life-threatening injuries, but detectives later determined there had been “ongoing sexual activity” involving Veit and the teen.
Investigators also said Major Crimes detectives alerted the U.S. Secret Service after allegedly finding “several sheets of counterfeit currency.”
Veit was arrested at the scene by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. After receiving treatment at a hospital, the girl was released to the care of a family member. Authorities also notified the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Jail records showed Veit remained in custody as of Monday on a $650,000 bond. His next court appearance is set for Aug. 4, and investigators said additional charges could be filed as the case continues.
