A Florida man has been arrested after authorities say he kidnapped a teenage girl and concealed her inside a clothes dryer at his Key Largo residence.
Christopher Michael Veit, 53, is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, false imprisonment and unlawful sexual activity with a minor, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies were called to a home on Miramar Drive around 11:45 a.m. Sunday after the girl contacted 911 and reported that she was being held against her will.
When authorities arrived and searched the property, investigators said they found the teenager hidden inside a clothes dryer.
Christopher Michael Veit faces charges including kidnapping, false imprisonment and interference with child custody, according to Florida authorities. (Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
According to the sheriff’s office, Veit allegedly restrained the girl before putting her in the dryer.
Investigators also said Veit took the girl’s cellphone after she told him she wanted to leave the home.
The teenager was located without injuries considered life-threatening, authorities said.
Christopher Michael Veit, 53, was arrested after authorities said a teenage girl was found hidden inside a clothes dryer at his Key Largo, Fla., home. (Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)
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Authorities said the girl is not from Key Largo, though her connection to Veit was not immediately clear.
Investigators said they uncovered evidence of an ongoing sexual relationship between Veit and the victim.
The teenage girl was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being released into the custody of a family member, officials said.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the case and said additional charges may be forthcoming. (Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association)
The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified following the incident.
Detectives responded to the scene and collected evidence, officials said, including “several sheets” of counterfeit currency.
The U.S. Secret Service was notified upon the discovery, authorities said.
The case remains under investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
