Birth Mother of Man Who Escaped Alleged Captivity Slams Stepmother’s Release From Custody

A 31-year-old Connecticut man’s escape from alleged captivity has ignited fierce tensions between his birth mother and the stepmother accused of imprisoning him for two decades, with the mother recently slamming the decision to release the accused on bond.

Key Takeaways

Tracy Vallerand, the victim’s biological mother who lost custody when he was an infant, has slammed the decision to grant bail for his stepmother Kimberly Sullivan who faces kidnapping and assault charges.
First responders found the 31-year-old man severely malnourished at just 68 pounds after he allegedly escaped by setting a fire in the home where he claims he was held captive since age 11.
Sullivan’s attorney denies all allegations, claiming his client did nothing wrong and asserting the victim’s weight issues have been documented since childhood.
The victim, now referring to himself simply as “S,” has released a statement saying he is reclaiming his life and celebrated his first birthday party at age 32.
Despite Sullivan’s release on bond with GPS monitoring, Vallerand continues her fight for justice, calling Sullivan “the lowest of the low.”

Mother’s Outrage Over Stepmother’s Release on Bond

Tracy Vallerand is speaking up about the son she lost custody of when he was just six months old. The biological mother expressed outrage that Kimberly Sullivan, her son’s stepmother accused of confining him in a windowless closet for 20 years, has been released on bond. Sullivan currently faces serious charges including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and cruelty to persons after the dramatic escape of her now 31-year-old stepson from what prosecutors describe as deplorable conditions.

“He needs justice, and he needs to know that people are here for him. Right now, he’s 32 years old, so he has all the say. My God, he’s 32, and he needs to learn to live his life. That is sad on so many different levels,” said Vallerand, according to Fox News Digital. She reportedly argued that Vallerand is a flight risk and shouldn’t have been released.

Vallerand attended court proceedings to support her son’s case against Sullivan.

Connecticut house of horrors escapee’s birth mom slams bail for accused stepmom https://t.co/tZQaEnymRB

— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 25, 2025

Disturbing Allegations and Dramatic Escape

According to court documents, the victim was allegedly kept in isolation from age 11 until his escape at age 31. First responders discovered him in a severely emaciated state, weighing just 68 pounds despite being 5’9″ tall. The escape reportedly occurred when he set a fire in the home to attract attention. Vallerand claims she attempted multiple times to reconnect with her son over the years but was prevented by his father, Kregg Sullivan. She says she became increasingly concerned when she tried to find him online after he turned 18 but discovered no trace of his existence.

“We just need to make sure justice is done for him. It’s all about the justice for him. He sounds very strong and it’s very encouraging that he’s actually able to speak up and take his life back. It still breaks my heart because he still needs to know what love is. He was denied that,” Vallerand has said.

Sullivan’s Defense Challenges Captivity Allegations

Kimberly Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, has forcefully denied the allegations, insisting his client is innocent of the charges. “My client is adamant she has done nothing wrong, and this man was not held in a room for 20 years,” Kaloidis stated. The defense argues that while photos from the home show cluttered rooms and locks on doors, they do not prove captivity. Additionally, Kaloidis claims the victim’s weight issues have been documented and addressed with authorities and healthcare providers since childhood.

Recovery and Steps Toward a New Life

The alleged victim, now choosing to be known simply as “S,” has released his first public statement since his rescue. “Please call me ‘S.’ This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future,” he stated. According to Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, which is assisting with his care, S recently celebrated his first birthday party at age 32 and is transitioning to a rehabilitation facility for intensive physical therapy.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support his medical expenses and recovery needs. S has expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals, first responders, and law enforcement for their support while requesting privacy as he recovers and the investigation continues. The case has been continued to May 27, with Sullivan’s defense filing motions to retrieve her belongings and have her GPS monitor removed.