Man Charged After Allegedly Hiding Kidnapped Teen Inside Clothes Dryer
A 53-year-old Florida Keys man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he held a teenage girl against her will and hid her inside a clothes dryer during a tense rescue at his home.
Christopher Michael Veit was arrested following the incident at a residence on Miramar Drive in Key Largo. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the home at approximately 11:45 a.m. Sunday after the teenage victim called 911 from inside the house, telling dispatchers she was being held hostage.
When deputies arrived, they say they found the girl hidden inside a clothes dryer at the residence. Investigators allege Veit restrained her and placed her in the dryer, then took her cellphone after she said she wanted to leave, according to Fox News.
While processing the scene, Major Crimes detectives recovered several sheets of counterfeit currency, prompting investigators to notify the U.S. Secret Service.
Veit is being held on a $650,000 bond. He has been charged with kidnapping/false imprisonment, interference with child custody, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Some reports also cite a charge of sexual battery on a victim aged 16 or 17. Authorities say additional charges may still be filed as the investigation continues.
The teenage girl was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being released into the custody of a family member, and the Florida Department of Children and Families was notified of the case, CBS News reported.
