A 53-year-old Florida man is behind bars after police allegedly held a teenage girl against her will and forced her inside a clothes dryer at his Key Largo home, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Background
Christopher Michael Veit was arrested Sunday morning when deputies responded to his residence on Miramar Drive in Key Largo, Florida. The investigation began when the teenage girl managed to call 911 just before noon to report she was being held hostage. When sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered the victim inside a clothes dryer.
According to authorities, Veit allegedly restrained the girl and compelled her to enter the appliance. After she expressed a desire to leave, he took away her cellular phone, isolating her from any means of communication. The girl managed to secretly contact emergency services despite having her phone confiscated.
Major Crimes detectives with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office continued their investigation after the initial rescue. During their inquiry, authorities discovered several sheets of counterfeit currency at the residence. Detectives subsequently notified the U.S. Secret Service regarding the counterfeiting evidence.
The Investigation
Monroe County Sheriff's Office deputies took Veit into custody at the scene following the discovery. The teenage victim was transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment before being released into the custody of a family member. Authorities confirmed she sustained no life-threatening injuries.
Detectives determined there had been ongoing sexual activity between Veit and the minor, according to law enforcement officials. The Florida Department of Children and Families has been notified as part of the mandatory reporting protocol for cases involving minors.
Jail records indicate Veit remained in custody at the Monroe County Jail as of Monday evening. His bond has been set at $650,000. Police indicated additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Key Takeaways
- Christopher Michael Veit, 53, is charged with kidnapping by false imprisonment, interference with child custody, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor
- The teenage victim was discovered inside a clothes dryer when deputies responded to her 911 call reporting she was being held hostage
- Authorities found counterfeit currency at the residence and notified the U.S. Secret Service
- The victim sustained no life-threatening injuries and was released to family after hospital treatment
What's Next
Veit is scheduled to appear in court on August 4 for his next scheduled hearing. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office investigation remains active, with authorities indicating additional charges may be filed as the case develops.
The U.S. Secret Service is expected to conduct its own inquiry into the counterfeit currency discovered during the investigation.