Waterbury, Conn. – The legal team representing a 33‑year‑old man identified only as “S” is demanding that the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) turn over all records related to his alleged decades‑long captivity by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan. Attorney Joel Faxon, who is handling the civil suit, says the state has provided more than 200 pages of heavily redacted documents but has refused to release a 50‑page “after‑action” report that would detail DCF’s actions during six home visits between 1996 and 2005.
Background of the alleged abuse
According to Faxon, S says Sullivan confined him in their Waterbury home from the time he was three years old until he escaped in February 2025. He claims he weighed only 68 pounds when rescued and that he set fire to his own home in an attempt to flee his stepmother’s control.
State’s legal position
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong responded to the accusations that state officials are hiding documents, stating, “We don’t hide documents. We represent our clients. The Department of Children and Families is our client. We’re the state’s lawyer, and we’re going to do our job.” In an August hearing, Assistant Attorney General John Tucker argued that the state has already turned over everything S’s team is legally entitled to receive. Tucker added that records concerning S’s parents or siblings are protected by confidentiality statutes, and that the requested “after‑action” report cannot be disclosed.
Statute‑of‑limitations dispute
The state is also moving to dismiss the case, asserting that the allegations fall outside the one‑ to three‑year statute of limitations for civil claims against DCF. Faxon called the argument “illogical, crazy, impossible,” noting that S could not have filed a claim as a minor while he was allegedly being held in captivity.
Next steps in the litigation
Faxon says his client cannot proceed with a lawsuit until the full DCF file is released. Once the record‑release dispute is resolved, the attorney plans to respond to the state’s motion to dismiss, after which the claims commissioner will decide whether the statute‑of‑limitations issue bars the suit.
Community impact
The case has drawn attention from local advocates for child‑protection reform, who argue that transparency is essential for preventing future failures of the child‑welfare system. While the criminal case against Sullivan proceeds separately – she maintains her innocence and faces trial next year – the civil battle underscores ongoing concerns about how state agencies handle long‑term abuse allegations.
What we know about S’s condition
Faxon reported that S is physically improving after the February 2025 fire but emphasized the emotional toll of his experience. “He’s a wonderful young man and he really wants to see justice done in this case,” Faxon said.
The dispute is expected to continue in the coming weeks as both sides prepare further arguments before the claims commissioner.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
