A Connecticut mother’s fight for justice intensifies as her son’s alleged abuser walks free on bail, reigniting debate over the shocking 20-year captivity case.
At a Glance
- Kimberly Sullivan faces serious charges, including assault and kidnapping, for allegedly keeping her stepson confined for 20 years
- First responders found the victim emaciated at 68 pounds and 5’9″ tall after he reportedly escaped by setting a fire
- Sullivan has been released on bail with GPS monitoring, sparking outrage from the victim’s biological mother, Tracy Vallerand
- The victim, now 32, has requested to be called “S” as he begins reclaiming his life after decades of alleged abuse
Mother Demands Justice as Abuse Case Unfolds
Tracy Vallerand is fighting for justice after shocking allegations emerged that her son was held captive for two decades in Connecticut. Vallerand lost custody of her son when he was just six months old and has now discovered he was allegedly kept in a windowless closet by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, from age 11 until his escape at 31. Sullivan faces multiple charges including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and cruelty to persons, but has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite the severity of the allegations, Sullivan has been released on bond with GPS monitoring.
Vallerand has been vocal about her frustration with Sullivan’s release. “He needs justice, and he needs to know that people are here for him. Right now, he’s 32 years old, so he has all the say. My God, he’s 32, and he needs to learn to live his life. That is sad on so many different levels,” said Vallerand during a court appearance.
Victim Speaks Out and Begins Recovery
The 32-year-old survivor recently issued his first public statement, asking to be called “S” as he reclaims his identity. “This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free,” he stated through representatives.
“Please call me ‘S.’ This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free.” – S.
First responders found “S” severely malnourished at just 68 pounds despite being 5’9″ tall. He had reportedly been taken out of school in fourth grade at age 11 and remained captive until he escaped by setting a fire at age 31. According to reports, he recently celebrated his first-ever birthday party at age 32. Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury is assisting with his rehabilitation, and a GoFundMe has been established to help with his ongoing expenses as he transitions to a rehabilitation facility for intensive physical therapy.
Defense Denies Captivity Claims
Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, has vehemently denied the allegations against his client. “My client is adamant she has done nothing wrong, and this man was not held in a room for 20 years,” Kaloidis stated. He argues that the victim’s weight issues have been ongoing since childhood and were previously addressed with authorities and medical professionals. “This has been an extreme shock to her. She lived a relatively quiet life. Her side of the story is quite simple. She did not harm him. She did not restrain him. She did not imprison him,” Kaloidis added.
“Sixty-eight pounds — it doesn’t mean that she starved him, and everyone’s just forgetting to connect the dots. He’s 68 pounds, therefore it must be true. That’s not how this works. The people that made those claims, the first responders, the detectives, what they saw is what they saw, and it doesn’t prove anything. There’s been no actual explanation. There’s been no investigation into his weight. We’ve gotten records. His weight has been an issue since he was a child. His weight was an issue that was addressed with DCF, with the doctors, and my client was cleared multiple times. It’s — it’s not right to assume that just because he’s underweight, that she’s done something wrong.” – Ioannis Kaloidis.
Photos from the home show cluttered rooms and locks on doors, but Kaloidis contends this evidence does not prove captivity. He has filed motions for Sullivan to retrieve her belongings and have her GPS monitor removed. The case has been continued to May 27, with Kaloidis emphasizing the importance of selecting an impartial jury and maintaining the presumption of innocence as legal proceedings continue.
A Mother’s Long Search
Vallerand revealed she attempted to reconnect with her son multiple times over the years but was prevented by his father, Kregg Sullivan. When her son turned 18, she searched for him online but found no trace, which increased her concerns. The recent revelations about her son’s condition have left her devastated but determined to support him as he rebuilds his life. “We just need to make sure justice is done for him. It’s all about the justice for him. He sounds very strong and it’s very encouraging that he’s actually able to speak up and take his life back. It still breaks my heart because he still needs to know what love is. He was denied that,” Vallerand stated during a court appearance.
