A Florida Keys man previously jailed for hiding a missing teenager inside a clothes dryer faces 31 new criminal counts ranging from sexual assault to child cruelty.
Christopher Michael Veit, 53, was first taken into custody on June 21, 2026. The initial arrest followed a 911 call placed around 11:45 a.m. from a residence in Key Largo, where an out-of-county teenage female reported she was being held hostage.
Arriving deputies located the victim inside a dryer. Investigators stated that Veit restrained the teenager, forced her into the appliance, and confiscated her cell phone after she expressed a desire to leave.
The initial arrest brought charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment, interference with child custody, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
In addition to those counts, Veit now faces dozens of new charges. These include multiple counts of possessing obscene material, cruelty toward a child, sexual assault, and the unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
During the initial scene investigation, Major Crimes detectives uncovered evidence of ongoing sexual activity between the suspect and the victim. They also recovered several sheets of counterfeit currency, which prompted local authorities to notify the U.S. Secret Service.
Following her rescue, the victim was transported to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier for evaluation. She did not sustain life-threatening injuries. Officials notified the Florida Department of Children and Families, and the teenager has since been transferred to the custody of a family member.
Veit remains held in jail as the investigation continues. Authorities indicated that further charges may be pending from both Orange and Osceola counties.
READ: Ballistics And Burnt Evidence: Lakeland Man Gets 30 Years After Christmas Eve Shootout
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