A Connecticut woman accused of holding her stepson captive for two decades has been charged with additional crimes, including first-degree kidnapping, assault, intentional cruelty, and unlawful restraint, according to court documents.
Kimberly Sullivan, 57, allegedly confined her stepson, referred to in court documents as “S,” in a storage closet for at least 22 hours a day starting in March 1996 when he was 11 years old. Sullivan was arrested in Waterbury after S escaped by setting fire to the home in February 2025. At the time, S weighed just 68 pounds.
Updated Charges Reflect New Case Details
The recent charges are similar to those originally filed last year but have been updated to include new information uncovered during the investigation, according to Court TV. Sullivan remains free on $300,000 bail as she awaits trial. Her attorney, Ionnis Kalodis, has denied the allegations, stating, “This wasn’t true then, it isn’t true now.”
Legal Battle Over Victim’s Privacy and Identity
Last year, Sullivan requested access to her stepson’s new identity, medical records, and current address, raising concerns among the victim’s biological family. The victim’s mother criticized the request, calling it “appalling” and arguing it defies usual protections for abuse survivors. The victim’s mother had relinquished custody of S decades ago, leaving him with Sullivan and his deceased biological father.
The case remains active, with Sullivan’s defense contesting aspects of victim protection protocols while the prosecution continues its pursuit of accountability for the alleged long-term abuse and captivity.
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