Judge Reviews Records Before Kimberly Sullivan Captivity Trial

Confidential records from Connecticut child welfare authorities, public schools and a treatment facility are under judicial review ahead of the expected February trial of Kimberly Sullivan, who is accused of keeping her stepson captive and subjecting him to years of abuse in Waterbury. Sullivan did not attend Tuesday's hearing, where the court addressed evidence, jury arrangements and procedures for the upcoming criminal proceedings.

According to reports from NBC News, WFSB and NBC Connecticut published October 20, the judge will determine which records can be disclosed and admitted at trial. The documents were obtained through state subpoenas and include material that could help establish the history of the allegations.

The Department of Children and Families provided records concerning visits, alleged child maltreatment, investigations, communications with medical professionals and schools, and safety assessments. Agency representatives said the department visited Sullivan and her stepson six times between 1996 and 2005.

Ken Mysogland of the Department of Children and Families confirmed that records had been delivered to the court. Additional audio recordings are being sought from the agency's archives, including historical calls to its child abuse and neglect hotline that have not yet been retrieved because of technical and equipment issues.

Waterbury Public Schools submitted 23 pages of records, while an undisclosed treatment facility also provided documents. Because the material is confidential, the judge will examine it privately before deciding what information may be used in court.

The case attracted national attention after Sullivan's stepson, identified in court reports as S., was found in February 2025 following a fire he allegedly started to escape the home. Authorities said he had been removed from the Waterbury school system in 2004 at age 11 and was subsequently homeschooled.

According to police records cited by NBC News, the man, who was 32 at the time of Sullivan's arrest in March 2025, weighed 68 pounds when emergency responders found him. Police described his condition as involving severe malnutrition and years without adequate medical or dental care.

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo described the conditions in which the man had allegedly lived in stark terms.

"It was worse than the conditions of a jail cell," Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said.

Sullivan has pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping, assault, unlawful restraint and intentional cruelty to persons. Her attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, has repeatedly denied the allegations and argued that public disclosure of evidence could undermine his client's right to a fair trial.

Kaloidis also challenged the use of victim terminology before a jury reaches a verdict. The judge granted a motion prohibiting the prosecution and witnesses from referring to S. as the victim during trial proceedings.

"Until a jury decides they're a victim, they're just an accuser," Sullivan's attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, said.

The defense is also seeking a 12-member jury instead of the six-person jury commonly used in Connecticut felony cases. Kaloidis argued that a larger jury would provide additional safeguards for criminal defendants.

"I think a 12-member jury is more fair to a defendant. Studies have shown deliberations are more thorough and a lot of states have it and it's safeguard for criminal defendants, and hopefully Connecticut will go there as well," Kaloidis said.

The defense has filed additional motions seeking access to information about the jury panel and expert witnesses. The court is expected to consider outstanding requests at the next hearing, scheduled for November 23.

Marissa Infante, one of S.'s attorneys, said the legal team would continue attending court proceedings to represent his interests. A supporter identified as Aly also attended hearings, saying she wanted S. to know that people cared about his case and hoped for justice.

Sullivan rejected two plea offers in September, according to NBC News. One proposal would have imposed a 30-year sentence suspended after 10 years served, while the state's offer included 30 years with suspension after 20 years served and five years of probation.

If convicted, Sullivan faces more than 45 years in prison, according to NBC News. Jury selection is expected to begin before the February trial, with reports differing on whether the process is scheduled to start in January or approximately one month before proceedings begin.