A Connecticut man who officials say was held captive by his stepmom for more than two decades is speaking out publicly for the first time since the fire that led to his freedom.
"I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse," the 32-year-old man, who identified himself only as "S," said in a prepared statement Tuesday. "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 Waterbury Police Department confirmed the statement came from the man who was rescued late this winter.
The man added that "S" was not the name he was given at birth but said deciding to be addressed that way marks “the first of many choices” he will make now that he’s free.
S told authorities who responded to the Waterbury home on Feb. 17 that he purposely set a fire in his room. He was carried out of the home by first responders.
His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, has been charged with first-degree assault and second-degree kidnapping. She has pleaded not guilty.
"The worst thing that can happen to a human being in this life is to be the victim of a heinous crime. Nearly its equivalent is the horror of being falsely accused," Sullivan's attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, said in a Wednesday statement in response to S's comments. "It makes the accused an object of hate who is disparaged and cast from society. It provokes a lynch mob mentality."
Kaloidis continued: "The accuser’s public narrative, put forth by his handlers — lacks both specifics and credibility. It appears timed to sway public opinion and its only purpose can be to poison the well of a future jury panel rather than seek justice through proper legal channels."
He added that, as Sullivan’s attorney, he is "obliged to denounce it as an unsavory tactic, filled with half lies and distorted facts, prejudice wielded like a weapon, a rush to judgment prioritized over truth."
"Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured," S said. "Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told."
The man also provided an update on his condition, saying he is "much better and stronger" than he was when was carried out of his home. He added that he had his "first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32."
"I ask everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are helping me seek justice for these crimes," S said. "I also ask the public and the media to respect those investigations and my privacy as this process plays out. This isn’t just a story. It’s my life."
