Man 'held captive for 20 years by wicked stepmother' reveals moving rite-of-passage he's finally enjoyed
A man who was allegedly held captive for 20 years by his wicked stepmother has broken his silence and revealed the rite of passage he's now experienced as he attempts to get his life back.
The 32-year-old man, who now goes by S, released a statement through the support services group, Survivors Say, revealing that he's finally enjoyed his first birthday party.
In the statement, S thanked the first responders and health care professionals who have helped him heal, adding, 'In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32.'
The emotional statement detailed his healing journey since he purposefully lit his Connecticut home on fire in February so that he could be rescued from the house of horrors where the alleged abuse occurred.
The statement began by declaring that his first decision since his newfound freedom was to change his name to 'S' reclaim control over his life.
'I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told,' S continued.
'I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home.'
He went on to express gratitude for law enforcement, first responders, and Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, an agency that provides resources for victims.
A man who was allegedly 'held captive for 20 years' in a 'house of horrors' said that since he was rescued he's finally had a birthday party to celebrate turning 32
Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested and accused of holding her stepson captive for 20 years and keeping him in conditions that resulted in severe malnutrition. Authorities said he resembled an 'Auschwitz survivor' when he was rescued
The victim was rescued from the alleged abuse and captivity on February 14 after law enforcement responded to a house fire call
Safe Haven is also organizing a fundraiser for S through GoFundMe to provide him with medical and dental care, therapy, housing, and support for legal fees.
S was rescued from the alleged abuse at the hands of his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, on February 17 when law enforcement responded to his Waterbury home after reports of a fire.
First responders discovered the alleged victim hiding in a fetal position. Prosecutors have now alleged that his condition was similar to a 'survivor of Auschwitz's death camp.'
He was only 68 lbs. when first responders rescued him and doctors later told investigators that when S attempted to eat, 'pieces of his teeth would break off' due to 'severe tooth decay.'
Investigators noted that there was 'clearly an issue with his hygiene,' after the victim had allegedly 'not bathed in a year or two,' according to a police affidavit.
Law enforcement believes that S was taken out of school at 11 years old and was allegedly held captive in the home for over 20 years.
During this time, Sullivan allegedly kept the victim hidden away in a small room without heat or air conditioning and limited access to food and water.
He allegedly was only given two water bottles a day, which he occasionally used to clean himself because he wasn't allowed frequent access to a bathroom.
Body camera footage released by authorities revealed the fire department rescuing the victim after he purposefully set his house on fire in Waterbury, Connecticut
Photos revealed the horrific conditions of the home that led police to arrest Sullivan for the alleged abuse of her stepson for over two decades
The victim, who now goes by S, recently released a statement thanking law enforcement, first responders, and victim support services for helping him after the alleged abuse
An investigation revealed that the victim's father died last year and his biological mother had relinquished custody when S was a child.
His biological mother, Tracy Vallerand, 52, previously told DailyMail.com that the last time she saw her child was when he was only six months old.
‘I had my own problems going on, I didn’t give him away. His father took custody of him. He was supposed to be safe there,' Vallerand said.
She went on to say that her child's father never let her see him and she lost contact with the family.
‘So many people have failed him. he was supposed to be safe, he was supposed to be cared for, he was supposed to be loved,' Vallerand added.
‘He was denied that, and that makes me angry, that makes me upset. He shouldn't have ever had to deal with that, and he shouldn't have ever been afraid because they terrorized him.’
Sullivan was arrested and charged with assault, kidnapping, and cruelty. She was later released on a $300,000 bond.
Sullivan was charged with assault, kidnapping, and cruelty for the alleged abuse against of her stepson. She attended a bond hearing on March 13 (pictured) and was released with GPS monitoring
Sullivan has pled not guilty to the charges and her lawyer previously said that the abuse was perpetrated by her late husband
At a court hearing in March, she pled not guilty to the crimes and her lawyer said that she was receiving threats from the community.
A judge ordered Sullivan to be electronically monitored, and said the allegations against Sullivan were arguably the worst he's seen during his career and demonstrated an 'unthinkable amount of lack of empathy.'
Assistant State Attorney Donald Therkildsen told reporters at the hearing that S 'lives in fear.'
'I introduced myself to the victim, explained who I was. His first question in this fear is, "Why is she out walking around when I was locked up in a room for 20 years?"' Therkildsen told local NBC affiliate, WVIT.
Sullivan's attorney Ioannis Kaloidis previously told DailyMail.com that her husband was responsible for the treatment of his son.
'She completely maintains her innocence, from our perspective. These allegations are not true. They are outlandish,' Kaloidis said. He added that Sullivan was 'blown away' when she heard the allegations.
