In a detailed statement shared through Survivors Say—a dedicated nonprofit organization aimed at supporting survivors and victims of trauma—this 32-year-old man expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received. He provided insights into his ongoing recovery journey, revealing that he was discovered by first responders in a shocking state, weighing only 68 pounds at the time of his rescue.

Meanwhile, Sullivan remains out on a $300,000 bond after pleading not guilty to serious charges, including felony counts of second-degree kidnapping and first-degree illegal restraint. Moreover, she faces additional charges related to cruelty against a person and first-degree reckless endangerment, highlighting the severity of the allegations against her.

“Please refer to me as ‘S.’ This is not the name given to me at birth by my parents. I am choosing a new name for myself as I work to reclaim control over my life and my future,” the survivor stated in his message. “My name is my choice, and it marks the beginning of many decisions I will now make for myself, now that I have gained my freedom.”

“I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse. I was imprisoned in my home from the moment I was removed from the fourth grade at age 11 until just two months ago at age 31 when I deliberately set the fire that ultimately led to my escape,” he recounted, reiterating his harrowing experience to the police.

“I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to ensure that I have a voice in how my story is told,” he added, emphasizing the importance of his narrative and its impact on his healing journey.

“I am significantly better and stronger than I was on the day first responders carried me out of my home. I am incredibly grateful for the care I have received since then,” he wrote, expressing deep appreciation for the health professionals who have supported his recovery.

He continued, “Thanks to all the care I received, I was able to celebrate my very first birthday, marking my transition into being 32.”

The survivor went on to express his gratitude towards the first responders, police officers, and everyone working tirelessly to hold those accountable for his abuse.

After thanking his legal team, conservator, and Safe Haven Waterbury, as well as anyone who contributed to a GoFundMe created in his name, he remarked, “Much has already been said that reveals part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my entire story can be told, shedding light on the full extent of my suffering.”

“I urge everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are assisting me in seeking justice for these crimes. I also ask the public and the media to respect the ongoing investigations and my privacy while this process unfolds. This is not merely a story; it is my life,” he concluded his statement, reinforcing his gratitude for all the support and “continued prayers” directed towards him during his recovery.

Sullivan maintains her innocence, asserting that she did not abuse her stepson despite the shocking allegations made against her.

“Her side of the story is quite straightforward,” her attorney, Loannis Kaloidis, told Fox News Digital just last week. “She did not harm him, she did not restrain him, she did not imprison him.”

“This has been an extreme shock to her. She lived a relatively quiet life,” he continued, noting that his client “acknowledges that given these allegations, the rest of her life is at stake” and she is “hopeful that through the process she will be vindicated.”

“My client adamantly denies that any imprisonment occurred,” Kaloidis stated. “As for the entire history, there is much that I expect will come out during the trial, hopefully, because I believe this is the appropriate venue for the release of any additional information.”

Her attorney’s comments follow the release of a substantial amount of images, videos, and other documents related to the case against her by the Waterbury Police Department. The material was made public as a result of a Freedom of Information request.

In the released images, a cluttered downstairs area, including the kitchen and living room, show minimal damage from the fire, while extensive smoke and fire damage is evident in images taken from the upstairs area, the location of the stepson’s bedroom.

“I have viewed the images and videos,” Kaloidis stated to Fox News Digital. “I disagree with the characterization of those images and videos. They have been portrayed as the worst anyone has witnessed in the past 20 years. I do not see that as the case.”

Regarding his client, he mentioned that following the allegations, “her face has been plastered all over television, news outlets, and social media,” and her life “has been turned upside down.”

“She has an enormous target on her back. She has essentially become public enemy number one,” he added. “It’s an immense burden she is carrying. It’s a significant upheaval to her entire life.”

Kaloidis also mentioned earlier that the suspect’s late husband, Kregg Sullivan—who passed away in 2024—“was in control” of the situation and was the one who decided to restrict his son to an 8-foot by 9-foot room starting at age 11.

Authorities became involved after receiving an emergency call regarding an active fire at approximately 8:42 p.m. on February 17. That call originated from Sullivan, the property owner where the fire was raging.

While the fire was quickly extinguished and Sullivan was able to evacuate on her own accord, the other resident of the home, a 32-year-old man, required assistance from the Waterbury Fire Department personnel. He was subsequently treated by emergency medical responders for his injuries.

“While receiving medical care [for smoke inhalation], the male victim disclosed to first responders that he had intentionally set the fire in his upstairs room,” officials stated in an official statement regarding the case. When asked about his motive for starting the fire, he simply stated, “I wanted my freedom.”

“He further alleged that he had been held captive by Sullivan since he was approximately 11 years old,” the statement continued. According to CBS affiliate WFSB, which shared the full arrest affidavit, the man allegedly spent those years confined inside an 8-foot by 9-foot room.

“Investigators further discovered that he had been provided with only minimal quantities of food and water, which led to his severely malnourished condition,” the police statement added.

The man allegedly told authorities he was given only two cups of water per day and was sometimes forced to drink from the toilet. It was also determined that he “had not received any medical or dental care” during his decades inside the house, raising alarms about the extent of his abuse.

The affidavit provides further details of the man’s claims that he was pulled from school in the fourth grade and only allowed out of his room to perform chores or to let the dog out, spending approximately 22 hours locked within the confines of his room.

He further disclosed to police that he had no contact with anyone outside the house and that the last time he left the home was with his now-deceased father when he was around 14 or 15 years old. He mentioned that only his two half-sisters and a deceased grandmother were aware of his dire situation.

He explained that his fear of losing the meager food and water he was provided, and the possibility of being locked up for even longer, prevented him from attempting to escape.

As a result of the man’s statements, investigators concluded that he had been subjected to “prolonged abuse, starvation, extreme neglect, and inhumane treatment,” which ultimately led to an arrest warrant being issued for Sullivan.

If you are experiencing or witnessing child abuse, please call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911.