A Florida man has been arrested on multiple charges, including kidnapping and unlawful sexual activity with a minor, after allegedly holding a teenage girl captive and hiding her inside a clothes dryer. Christopher Michael Veit, 53, was taken into custody at his Key Largo home on Sunday.
Deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office responded to the residence around 11:45 a.m. after the alleged victim contacted 911, reporting she was being held hostage. Upon arrival, authorities located the girl concealed inside a clothes dryer. Investigators stated that Veit restrained the girl and took her cellphone after she indicated a desire to leave the home.
The victim sustained no life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation before being released to a family member. The girl is not from Key Largo, and her connection to Veit was not immediately clear.
During the investigation, authorities reported discovering evidence of an ongoing sexual relationship between Veit and the victim. They also found several sheets of counterfeit currency at the scene. The U.S. Secret Service and the Florida Department of Children and Families were notified.
Veit faces charges that include kidnapping, false imprisonment, and interference with child custody. The case remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and additional charges may be filed.