Kimberly Sullivan, 56, pleaded not guilty to serious charges including kidnapping and felony assault in a Waterbury court, where she opted for a jury trial. Her stepson was rescued after setting a fire to attract attention, revealing that he had been held captive in a small, unheated room for 20 years. Authorities had previously missed signs of abuse during a welfare check when he was 11. Family members, including his biological mother and half-sister, are currently unable to visit him as police investigate. Sullivan's next court date is scheduled for April 22nd.
Last month, the victim deliberately set a fire to draw first responders and was rescued, revealing years of captivity and abuse.
Sullivan is charged with kidnapping, felony assault, cruelty to persons, and other crimes related to keeping her son locked in a room for over 20 years.
The victim described conditions of being locked in a small room with no heat or air conditioning since he was 11, leading to serious physical decline.
Authorities initially found nothing unusual during a welfare check in 2005 when the victim was 11, despite his pleas for help from classmates.
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