Key Largo man faces kidnapping, sex crime charges after teen found in dryer, deputies say

Christopher Veit (MCSO)

KEY LARGO, Fla. — A 53-year-old Key Largo man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies said they discovered a teenage girl being held inside of a clothes dryer at his home. They said there had been “ongoing sexual activity” between the two.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home on Miramar Drive at around 11:45 a.m. Sunday after the victim, from out-of-county, called 911 to report she was being held hostage by a man identified as Christopher Michael Veit.

MCSO spokesperson Adam Linhardt said after arriving at the home, deputies found the girl in the dryer.

Linhardt said “Veit restrained her, put her there” and took her cellphone when she said she “wanted to leave.”

He said detectives discovered the girl, whose age wasn’t immediately disclosed, in the dryer. Charges indicate that she was either 16 or 17.

Authorities said detectives also found “several sheets of counterfeit currency” and notified the U.S. Secret Service.

Linhardt said the victim was taken to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier and placed under the care of a family member. He said MCSO also notified the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Deputies said they arrested Veit on charges of kidnapping/false imprisonment, interference with child custody and four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

“The case remains ongoing and more charges may be pending,” Linhardt said.

Records show Veit was being held in MCSO’s Key West jail facility with no listed bond as of late Monday morning.

Local 10 News has requested a copy of his arrest report.

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About The Author
Chris Gothner

Chris Gothner

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.