The Connecticut woman accused of locking up her stepson in a home prison for two decades was ordered Friday to wear an electronic monitor while she’s free on bail.
Superior Court Judge Joseph Schwartz told defendant Kimberly Sullivan that the change in bail conditions shouldn’t be viewed as a prejudicial signal in her case.
“I think putting GPS monitoring on her is appropriate to protect the public and to ensure that she comes,” the judge said.
“You are not guilty (now), you have the presumption of innocence. You will get a fair trial. The reason I put GPS monitoring on you has nothing to do with being guilty and shouldn’t be interpreted that way.”
Sullivan was arrested on March 12 in the wake of a Feb. 17 fire at her family’s home in Waterbury, southwest of Hartford.
The blaze was allegedly set by her stepson in a bid for freedom and when first responders arrive, they found the 5-foot-9, 68-pound captive, officials said.
The severely malnourished 32-year-old man had not received medical or dental care in years and had been subjected to “prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect and inhumane treatment,” police said.
The man used a lighter, hand sanitizer and some paper from a printer to start the fire, according to an affidavit in support of Sullivan’s arrest.
“I wanted my freedom,” the weakened man allegedly told police.
Sullivan posted bail a day after her arrest and defense attorneys have denied all allegation against their client.
The defense claims that the man was properly cared for and not prevented from leaving.
Sullivan has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, first-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
