DCF finds no record of home where Waterbury man was allegedly captive since childhood
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Despite Waterbury police saying the Department of Children and Families was called to the home where a man was allegedly held captive for decades, officials with DCF say they have no records related to the family.
In a statement, Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly said they did an extensive search of their current and historical databases, coming up empty for any records pertaining to the family or those who have said they made reports to DCF during the 20 years the male victim was allegedly trapped by his stepmother.
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They also noted that according to state regulations, reports of neglect and abuse that are found unsubstantiated after investigation are expunged after five years if there are no other substantiated reports.
Waterbury police began investigating the case in February, after the alleged victim started a fire at his house with the intention of gaining his freedom.
During interviews with police, the victim detailed a life of abuse that started when he was 11 years old. He was found severely emaciated and weighing 68 pounds at 32 years old.
According to a police affidavit, the victim said he was pulled out of school after the school called DCF twice due to the victim constantly asking students for their food during lunch time because he was allegedly being starved at home.
‘Worst treatment of humanity’: Waterbury police details investigation into alleged captivity
At a press conference Thursday, police said they did a welfare check at the family’s Blake Street home in 2005 at the request of DCF. They said friends of the victim hadn’t seen him in awhile and were concerned.
Officers went to the house and reported back to DCF there were no reasons to believe anything other than a “normal family existence” was occurring.
Police said they returned to the house again in 2005, that time at request of the family themselves, who wanted to file a harassment complaint against members of the school district, who they claimed were continuously reporting them to DCF and trying to get them in trouble.
DCF said they plan to continue searching their records.
“We are shocked and saddened for the victim and at the unspeakable conditions he endured. The now adult victim has shown incredible strength and resilience during this time of healing and our hearts go out to him,” Hill-Lilly said in the statement.
The victim’s stepmother- 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan- was charged in connection to the case on Wednesday. Police said she was the only other occupant in the home and is believed to be the sole person responsible for the alleged crimes.
DCF said “a reasonable suspicion of child maltreatment” can be made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Careline by dialing 1-800-842-2288. The Careline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Callers to the Careline can remain anonymous.
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