A man from Key Largo was arrested on Sunday after deputies found a teenage girl hidden in a dryer at his house, according to authorities.
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The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office allegedly responded to a residence on Miramar Drive in Key Largo at around 11:45 a.m. after the victim called 911 “to report she was being held hostage.” Authorities found her in the dryer.
Authorities said Christopher Michael Veit, 53, had restrained her, put her there, and took her cell phone when she said she wanted to leave.
The teen, who is from outside Monroe County, was taken to a hospital in Tavernier. Her injuries are not life-threatening, the sheriff’s office said.
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According to the officials, detectives later collected evidence including several sheets of counterfeit currency, and the U.S. Secret Service was notified. They also learned there had been ongoing sexual activity between the victim and the suspect.
The teen was transferred to the custody of a family member and the Florida Department of Children and Families was notified.
Veit was charged with kidnapping/false imprisonment, interference with child custody, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor and booked into jail.
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Authorities said the case remains ongoing and more charges may be pending.