A woman from Connecticut, Kimberly Sullivan, is now facing additional charges in a disturbing case where she allegedly kept her stepson captive in a “house of horrors” for over 20 years. This case has captured widespread attention due to its shocking nature.
Kimberly Sullivan, age 57, has been charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping, alongside accusations of assault, intentional cruelty to persons, and unlawful restraint. These charges reflect new findings as the investigation into this harrowing situation progresses, according to reports from Court TV.
The allegations against Sullivan remain consistent with those she faced last year, with updates integrating the latest developments in the case. During a bond hearing held on March 13, 2025, at Waterbury Superior Court, Sullivan appeared alongside her attorney, Jason Spilka. The hearing was documented by Jim Shannon of Hearst Connecticut Media, with images distributed via the Associated Press pool.
In defense of his client, Sullivan’s attorney, Ionnis Kalodis, has firmly stated, “This wasn’t true then, it isn’t true now,” challenging the accusations as false.
According to court documents, Sullivan is accused of confining her stepson, identified only as “S,” in a storage closet for at least 22 hours a day. This alleged confinement began when he was just 11 years old in March 1996. By the time Sullivan was taken into custody, her stepson was 32 years old, highlighting the prolonged duration of this alleged captivity.
Sullivan is accused of locking her stepson in a storage closet for at least 22 hours a day since he was 11 years old in March 1996, according to court records. The stepson, referred to as “S” in court documents, was 32 years old when Sullivan was arrested.
A police affidavit revealed S told investigators he was fed only two sandwiches and one water bottle each day, and was provided with a second water bottle “for bathing.”
Kimberly Sullivan was arrested after allegedly abusing her stepson in their Waterbury, Connecticut home. (Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP)
This image provided by the Waterbury Police Department shows the home where a Connecticut man told authorities his stepmother held him captive for two decades since he was a boy. (Waterbury Police Department via AP)
In February 2025, S lit Sullivan’s Waterbury house on fire to escape captivity. He was just 68 pounds when firefighters pulled him from the burning building.
Last year, Sullivan was granted access to her stepson’s new identity, medical records and current address after asking a judge to hand over the information, according to WFSB.
Kimberly Sullivan is taken into custody by the Waterbury Police Department on March 12. (Waterbury Police Department)
“The state’s position, stripped of its appeal to ‘victim’ protection, amounts to this: the accuser may assume a new identity, relocate to an undisclosed address, and the defendant charged with serious felonies arising from their decades-long relationship must be kept in the dark,” Kaloidis reportedly argued in the court filing.
The move sent shockwaves throughout S’s family, with the victim’s biological mother blasting the request from Sullivan’s defense team.
This image provided by the Waterbury Police Department shows the home where a Connecticut man told authorities his stepmother held him captive for two decades since he was a boy. (Waterbury Police Department via AP)
“If you look at any domestic violence situation, you’re not going to let the person who is being the evil person around the one who needs to be protected,” Tracy Vallerand told the New York Post.
“It’s appalling that they even had the audacity to request that.”
Vallerand reportedly gave up custody of S decades ago, leaving the child with her ex, who died in 2024, and Sullivan.
Sullivan has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains free on $300,000 as she awaits trial.
Sullivan’s attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
