Birth Mother Says Stepmother Who Allegedly Held Son Captive Shouldn’t Have Been Released on Bond

A Connecticut birth mother has criticized the release on bond of the stepmother accused of holding her son captive for 20 years.

Key Takeaways

A man identified only as “S” was allegedly held captive by his stepmother Kimberly Sullivan from age 11 to 31 before escaping by setting a fire.
First responders found the stepson severely malnourished, weighing only 68 pounds at 5’9″.
Sullivan faces charges including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and cruelty to persons but has been released on bond with GPS monitoring.
The victim’s biological mother, Tracy Vallerand, who lost custody when he was 6 months old, has slammed Sullivan’s release on bond and emphasized the need for justice.
“S” has released a statement choosing a new name for himself as he begins the process of reclaiming his life.

Mother Responds After Alleged Abuser Released

Tracy Vallerand’s dismay echoes through the Connecticut judicial system as Kimberly Sullivan, the woman accused of holding Vallerand’s son captive for two decades, walks free on bail. Sullivan faces serious charges including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and cruelty to persons for allegedly confining her stepson in a windowless closet from age 11 to 31, with minimal food and water. The case came to light when the victim, now identifying himself only as “S,” reportedly escaped by setting a fire at the Waterbury home.

When first responders discovered “S,” they found him severely malnourished, weighing just 68 pounds at 5’9″ tall. Sullivan has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been released with GPS monitoring until her next court appearance on May 27.

For Vallerand, who lost custody of her son when he was just 6 months old, Sullivan’s release in March represents a devastating setback in her quest for justice. She argues that Sullivan is a flight risk and should still be in jail.

Defense Claims No Captivity Occurred

Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, vehemently denies the allegations against his client. He argues that photos of locks on doors and cluttered rooms do not prove captivity. The defense has also challenged the conclusion that “S” was intentionally malnourished, suggesting his weight problems date back to childhood.

Kaloidis has emphasized the importance of selecting an impartial jury and maintaining the presumption of innocence. Court filings reveal that motions have been filed for Sullivan to retrieve her belongings and have her GPS monitor removed, further fueling Vallerand’s concerns about the seriousness with which the court is treating the case.

“S” Releases Statement

Despite the legal battles surrounding his case, “S” has released a statement, saying that he’s begun the difficult journey of rebuilding his life. In his statement, he expressed his decision to choose a new name for himself as a symbolic first step toward reclaiming control over his life. He said he recently celebrated his first birthday party at age 32 and expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals, first responders, and law enforcement who have supported him since his escape.

Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury is assisting with his rehabilitation, and a GoFundMe page has been established to help with his expenses. The organization has indicated that “S” will soon transition to a rehabilitation facility for intensive physical therapy, with hopes for Medicaid support.

Man allegedly held captive by stepmother in Connecticut releases first public statement https://t.co/GTw1JfsA7t

— KFOR (@kfor) April 17, 2025

Vallerand Speaks Up

Vallerand has not minced words when discussing Sullivan and her legal representation. She has referred to Sullivan as the “lowest of the low” and has criticized her attorney for choosing to represent such a client. Vallerand has revealed that she attempted to reconnect with her son multiple times over the years but was prevented by his father, Kregg Sullivan. When “S” turned 18, she reportedly searched for him online but found no trace.

Vallerand has attended court hearings and spoken publicly about her determination to support “S” as he rebuilds his life. While Sullivan maintains her innocence, the evidence gathered by investigators and the condition in which “S” was found continue to raise serious questions about what truly happened in the Waterbury home over the past two decades.