A Connecticut judge is examining confidential government, school, and treatment records in the criminal case against Kimberly Sullivan. Sullivan is accused of keeping her stepson captive for more than 20 years at their Waterbury home. The formal review process began Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Waterbury Judicial District courthouse. The court is determining which sensitive documents prosecutors may present at a trial expected to begin in February 2027.
Sullivan, 57, did not attend Tuesday’s hearing before Judge Hunchu Kwak. According to reports from NBC News, WFSB, and NBC Connecticut, the judge received records subpoenaed directly from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), Waterbury Public Schools, and an undisclosed treatment facility. Waterbury Public Schools submitted 23 pages of records for judicial evaluation.
Judge Kwak will review the sealed documents privately to decide what information can be lawfully disclosed and admitted into evidence during the upcoming trial. The evidentiary hearing forms part of extensive pretrial preparations as both prosecutors and the defense finalize their strategies.
Background of the Waterbury Captivity Case
The high-profile case drew national attention following Sullivan’s arrest in March 2025. Investigators alleged that her stepson, identified in court records by the alias S., had been held captive, starved, and severely abused since he was 11 years old. Authorities stated the now-32-year-old man intentionally set a fire in his room using a lighter, hand sanitizer, and paper to regain his freedom.
First responders found the victim severely malnourished, weighing only 68 pounds at the time of rescue. Police officials reported that he had gone years without proper medical or dental care, enduring prolonged abuse and inhumane living conditions inside the Blake Street home.
Sullivan has pleaded not guilty to charges including two counts of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, first-degree unlawful restraint, and intentional cruelty to persons. If convicted, she faces more than 45 years in prison. She has been free on a $300,000 bond since the day after her arrest and has consistently maintained her innocence, denying that she ever locked the victim inside his room.
Pretrial Motions and Defense Arguments
During Tuesday’s proceedings, defense attorney Ioannis Kaloidis filed several key motions. The court granted a motion requesting that prosecutors refrain from using the term “victim” to describe Sullivan’s stepson during the trial. Another motion requesting a 12-member jury rather than a six-member panel is scheduled to be argued at the next hearing on November 23, 2026.
Additionally, the defense has sought access to separate counseling records belonging to the victim’s half-sister. Court filings revealed that the half-sister told police she experienced years of trauma and was conditioned by her mother. Kaloidis argued that these records are necessary discoverable exculpatory and impeachment material to challenge witness credibility during the trial.
In September, Sullivan rejected two separate plea deals offered by the state and the judge, choosing instead to take her case to a jury trial slated for early 2027. Jury selection is expected to begin approximately one month prior to the trial start date.
