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Newly released bodycam footage from the Waterbury Police Department reveals the moment suspected Connecticut child abuser Kimberly Sullivan denied allegations of imprisoning her stepson. Sullivan is accused of holding her stepson captive in a storage closet in their residence for two decades. The video surfaced after the 32-year-old stepson allegedly set a fire to escape the home in Connecticut, highlighting a disturbing case of long-term confinement and abuse.
Bodycam Footage Captures Sullivan’s Initial Denial
According to the bodycam footage, obtained by Fox News Digital, law enforcement arrived at Sullivan’s residence on February 17 following reports of a fire. Sullivan’s daughter arrived shortly after authorities and waited nearby in a black Acura as firefighters worked to control the blaze and rescue Sullivan’s stepson from the dwelling.
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The partially redacted video shows Sullivan, 56, explaining the events following the fire’s outbreak to a police officer.
Sullivan claimed the fire originated from a television her stepson plugged in. She stated that she became aware of the situation when she smelled smoke, calling out to her stepson from her bedroom.
“I was trying to go into the room but it was just – there were just flames – he came out of the room, eventually woke up and came out of the room,” Sullivan is heard saying in the footage.
Sullivan Claims Stepson Had ‘Free Rein’
Sullivan asserted that her stepson was unable to leave the room initially due to the flames, but that he must have eventually navigated through them.
“Was the door locked on his room, or no?” the officer inquired.
“No,” Sullivan responded.
“OK, is it normally locked?” the officer followed up.
“No,” she reiterated.
“And he has free rein to go out of there whenever he wants?” the detective pressed.
“Yeah,” Sullivan affirmed.
However, law enforcement officials believe Sullivan’s statements during this exchange were deceptive.
Sullivan was subsequently taken into custody on March 12. She faces charges including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and first-degree reckless endangerment.
She was released on a $300,000 bond and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges on Friday.
Details from the Arrest Warrant: ‘CT House of Horrors’
According to Sullivan’s arrest warrant, the victim, identified as “Male Victim 1,” was confined for two decades in an 8-foot by 9-foot storage closet lacking windows, air conditioning, or heating, and without bathroom access. He was allegedly kept in the closet for 22 to 24 hours each day.
His daily sustenance reportedly consisted of two sandwiches and two small water bottles, with one bottle used for washing.
Waste disposal was allegedly managed using water bottles and newspaper.
Upon rescue by first responders after the fire, the victim weighed less than 70 pounds.
The arrest warrant further states that Sullivan’s stepson confessed to intentionally starting the fire as a desperate attempt to gain his freedom.
Fox News Digital also obtained Sullivan’s distressed 911 call reporting the house fire.
Additional bodycam footage depicts a police officer arriving at the scene, shouting through a window at an unidentified individual, instructing them to exit the residence.
In a heavily redacted segment of the bodycam footage, police officers are seen standing outside an ambulance, observing the victim who is blurred and receiving medical attention from paramedics.
When audio returns after the redaction, an officer informs another that the victim stated he had not showered in a year.
Sullivan’s Concern for Pet Amidst Rescue Efforts
Another video segment shows a frantic Sullivan requesting to re-enter the burning house to retrieve her purse and keys, reportedly to secure her dog in her vehicle.
Police had previously released footage showing Sullivan’s stepson being carried from the home into an ambulance.
Fox News Digital contacted Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, through a spokesperson for comment.