18 hours Ago
A Connecticut man is speaking out after escaping his alleged captivity. The 32-year-old, who police say was rescued in February after setting his own house on fire to escape more than 20 years of alleged abuse by his stepmother Kimberly Sullivan , has broken his silence on his allegations. “I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse,” the man shared in an April 15 statement through the organization Survivors Say.
“I was held prisoner in my home from the time I was taken out of the fourth grade at age 11 until two months ago at age 31 when I purposely set the fire that helped set me free.” The man, who requested to be referred to as “S,” continued, “I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told.” These days, S—who weighed only 68 pounds when he was discovered, officials told NBC Connecticut —is focused on the positive aspects of his journey.
“I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home,” he continued in his statement. “I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then.” He also shared his gratitude for the helpers along the way, including “the first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable.
” “To all the health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you,” he shared. “In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32.” He added, “I am grateful to the conservator and my attorney, who will help guide me through the legal process ahead.
They have been invaluable to me, and I am grateful for their tireless support.” Concluding his message, S asked for privacy in his life, which he said “isn’t just a story,” and shared his mindset for the future. “Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured,” he said.
“Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told.” E! News has reached out to reps for Sullivan for comment on her stepson’s statement but has not heard back. Following S’s rescue from the February fire, investigators charged Sullivan, 56, with assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, unlawful restraint in the first degree, cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment in the first degree, according to a March statement from the Waterbury Police Department.
However, the stepmother’s attorney Ioannis Kaloidis has denied the allegations brought against his client. “That is absolutely not true,” Kaloidis told NBC Connecticut last month. “He was not locked in a room.
She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food, she provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations.
” He added, “We think as the evidence comes out, you'll see that she's not the villain she's being made out to be. Absolutely not.” Sullivan has pleaded not guilty and is currently out on bond awaiting trial following a March 28 court appearance, NBC New York reported.
(E!, NBC New York and NBC Connecticut are all part of the NBCUniversal family.).
