Conn. Woman Accused of Holding Stepson Captive for Over 20 Years

Captivity and Discovery

• 🚒 Firefighters in Waterbury, Connecticut, responding to a house fire, discovered a 32-year-old man held captive for over two decades.
• 💔 The victim, weighing only 68 pounds, was found in an upstairs storage space, allegedly held by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan.
• 🔥 The man stated he set the fire intentionally as a desperate attempt to escape his confinement.

Allegations of Abuse and Neglect

• ⛓️ The stepson claims he was imprisoned in the room from age 11 until he was 32, totaling 21 years of captivity.
• 🏫 Teachers reportedly noticed the boy taking food from classmates and eating from garbage bins in elementary school, leading to over 20 calls to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF).
• 🚫 Despite numerous calls, DCF states they have no record of these reports.
• 🏠 The man was allegedly removed from fourth grade and confined to the room 22-24 hours a day, surviving on minimal food and water.

Family Knowledge and Legal Ramifications

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The victim alleges his father (deceased), two half-sisters, and grandmother were aware of his confinement but offered no help.
• ⚖️ Kimberly Sullivan faces charges including assault, kidnapping, and unlawful restraint.
• 🗣️ Sullivan denies the allegations, with her attorney calling them "outlandish and completely untrue."