A 53-year-old Key Largo man was arrested on June 21 after Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies discovered a teenage female from out-of-county hidden in a clothes dryer in his residence.
The sheriff’s office responded to a Miramar Drive residence in Key Largo at approximately 11:45 a.m. after the victim called 911 to report she was being held hostage. Deputies found her in the dryer.
According to deputies, Christopher Michael Veit restrained the female, put her in the dryer and took her cell phone when she stated she wanted to leave. Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and collected evidence, including several sheets of counterfeit currency. The U.S. Secret Service was notified. Detectives learned there had been ongoing sexual activity between the victim and the suspect.
Veit was charged with kidnapping/false imprisonment, interference with child custody, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
The victim was taken to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier and transferred to the custody of a family member. The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified.
The case remains ongoing and more charges may be pending.
Veit’s arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 4.
