'I am free.' Man allegedly held captive in Waterbury 'house of horrors' breaks silence

The Waterbury man, who is calling himself "S" to protect his identity, was discovered on Feb. 17, 2025.

Frank Recchia and Robyn Karashik

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Apr 15, 2025, 7:11 PM

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Updated 4 hr ago

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A man who says he was held captive for over 20 years in his home released his first statement to the public Tuesday.

The Waterbury man, who is calling himself "S" to protect his identity, was discovered on Feb. 17, 2025 by emergency crews after he set fire to his stepmother’s home.

Officials say this was an attempt to escape.

Police say he was just 68 pounds when they found him.

Kimberly Sullivan is accused of holding her stepson captive since he was a child. She has pleaded not guilty on several felony charges including assault, kidnapping and cruelty to persons.

The judge in the case placed Sullivan under GPS monitoring.

David Guarino, founder and president of Survivors Say, released the public statement on behalf of “S.”

The victim thanked those who have helped him to recover and are continuing to do so.

Read the full statement below:

“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. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free.

I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse. 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.

I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told.

I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home. I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then. To all the health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you. In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32.

I also want to thank the first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable. Thank you to everyone at Safe Haven Waterbury and everyone who has given to the GoFundMe page that will help cover some of the overwhelming expenses I will face in the weeks, months and years to come.

I am grateful to the conservator and my attorney, who will help guide me through the legal process ahead. They have been invaluable to me, and I am grateful for their tireless support.

Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told.

I ask everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are helping me seek justice for these crimes. 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.

Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover. Please forward any inquiries about my recovery, requests for information or interviews, or the process ahead to David Guarino at Survivors Say, who has volunteered to serve as my spokesman.

Thank you.”

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