Police: Man Preyed On Kids At I-Drive Hotels

Police ID At Least 6 Victims

POSTED: 1:46 pm EST January 10, 2005

UPDATED: 11:47 pm EST January 10, 2005

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A 34-year-old man was arrested Monday for allegedly fondling or exposing himself to at least six victims, including one as young as 9 years old, along the International Drive tourist corridor, authorities said Monday.

Emanuel Veiga was arrested on lewd or lascivious molestation and sexual battery charges. Orange County Sheriff's Office detectives said Veiga committed the acts in hotel elevators or parking lots starting in late 2003.

"He would select children walking alone, going back to their rooms alone and he would engage them in the elevator and commit sexual acts," Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary said.

So far, six victims have identified Veiga as the man who fondled or exposed himself, but detectives said he may be responsible for a dozen such attacks.

"If you have someone who is more likely to leave town, they make a better victim because they may or may not be around to report or assist the investigation," Orlando police spokesman Jonathan O'Hern said.

Veiga, a self-employed cleaning service worker, was being held without bail in the Orange County Jail. He told investigators he was writing a book on how to protect children from sexual predators.