Woman accused of holding stepson captive for 20 years pleads not guilty; judge orders GPS monitoring - East Idaho News
A 56-year-old Connecticut woman, Kimberly Sullivan, pleaded not guilty on Friday to serious charges including kidnapping, assault, and cruelty, stemming from allegations that she imprisoned her stepson for nearly two decades. The accusations surfaced after her 32-year-old stepson, seeking freedom, allegedly set fire to their Waterbury home, leading to his rescue by police. Sullivan has been ordered to wear an electronic GPS monitoring device while out on bail.
During the court hearing, the supervising assistant state attorney, Don Therkildsen, emphasized the emotional turmoil faced by the alleged victim, expressing that he lives in constant fear, questioning why Sullivan, who allegedly held him captive, is free. Although the state prosecutor sought to place Sullivan under house arrest due to the gravity of the allegations, Superior Court Judge Joseph Schwartz declined the request, citing her lack of a permanent residence and no previous criminal record.
The judge acknowledged the shocking nature of the allegations but highlighted Sullivan's mental health issues and compliance with court appearances as reasons for not imposing stricter bail conditions. He noted that such serious claims reflect an extreme disregard for human life, yet underscored that they remain allegations at this stage. The alleged victim, reportedly severely malnourished and in poor condition at the time of his rescue, conveyed to police that his act of arson was driven by desperation for escape.
Sullivan's attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, argued against the modification of bail conditions, insisting that the only change in circumstances was Sullivan's compliance over two weeks. Kaloidis also pointed to safety concerns arising from public attention on the case, asserting that restrictions on his client's movement could exacerbate risks to her wellbeing.
As the case unfolds, additional witnesses have emerged, with one claiming she has known Sullivan for over two decades without ever hearing about her stepson. Sullivan, who was released on a $300,000 bond, continues to deny the allegations against her through her attorney, seeking to maintain her rights amid growing public scrutiny.