A Connecticut woman accused of imprisoning her stepson for nearly two decades and subjecting him to starvation and relentless abuse is set to appear in court on Friday to face charges including assault, kidnapping, and cruelty.
Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested on March 12 and has denied the allegations through one of her attorneys, Ioannis Kaloidis. Sullivan was released on a $300,000 bond.
“He was not locked in a room. She did not restrain him in any way,” Kaloidis said. “She provided food. She provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations.”
Sullivan plans to plead not guilty, her attorneys have said. At a hearing Wednesday, the state gave notice to Sullivan’s attorney that it planned to file a motion to modify the conditions of her release, and Kaloidis was given until Friday to respond. Judge Joseph Schwartz asked Kaloidis to delay entering a plea for Sullivan until then.
The case came to light after a 32-year-old man – who told police he had been held captive for over 20 years – last month set fire to the Waterbury, Connecticut, home he shared with Sullivan in what authorities described as a desperate bid for freedom.
On February 17, emergency responders arrived at the burning home to find Sullivan and her stepson, police said. While Sullivan escaped unharmed, the man – who suffered from smoke inhalation and burns – was found in critical condition and was rushed to the hospital. Authorities later discovered that the man had been living in the home under what they described as “horrific conditions.”
According to investigators, the man had been subjected to years of severe physical and emotional abuse. Authorities allege that Sullivan kept him locked in a room for long periods, often denying him food and medical care. Neighbors and acquaintances described him as a reclusive figure, rarely seen outside the home, and some reported that they had not seen him in years.
The man’s ordeal reportedly began when he was a child, and he told police that Sullivan had consistently isolated him from the outside world. Despite these allegations, Sullivan’s attorney, Kaloidis, maintains that the accusations are unfounded, and the defense is preparing to argue that no such abuse or confinement took place.
The arrest and subsequent investigation have shocked the local community, with many expressing disbelief over the extent of the abuse and the long duration it allegedly occurred. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and are working to corroborate the man’s claims, including through interviews with other family members and individuals who may have witnessed the events leading up to his escape.
Sullivan’s case has drawn widespread attention, with many calling for justice for the alleged victim, who has since been placed in the care of social services. The 32-year-old man is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries and is reportedly undergoing therapy to address the trauma he experienced during his captivity.
As the case proceeds, Kimberly Sullivan is facing a range of charges, including first-degree kidnapping, assault, and cruelty to persons. If convicted, she could face significant prison time. Her upcoming court appearance on Friday will be closely watched as both the prosecution and defense prepare for the next steps in this disturbing and high-profile case.
