Connecticut ‘House of Horrors’ stepmom gets a win in court — as victim she kept captive for 2 decades remains in recovery

WATERBURY, Conn. — The allegedly wicked Connecticut stepmom accused of locking away her stepson for two decades inside her house of horrors was granted access to his personal information Friday — as it was revealed he’s still recovering at a secret hospital.

Kimberly Sullivan, 57, was in a Waterbury courthouse where her lawyer argued her 32-year-old stepson’s new name, new location and his medical information will be critical information as Sullivan fights claims she imprisoned him for 22 hours a day in a storage closet since he was 11.

New Haven County District Superior Court Judge Corinne Klatt agreed that the alleged victim’s personal information is necessary for the defense investigation into the charges.

But the judge issued a stark warning to Sullivan that if she discusses his information with anyone other than her legal team — she’d be slapped with contempt of court charges.

“Ms. Sullivan, I am telling you right now, you can speak to your lawyers about this information,” Klatt said. “You cannot speak to anyone else. I don’t care how close the person is.”

“You cannot release this information under any circumstances,” the judge added. “If there’s a violation of this court order, you will be facing separate contempt charges.”

Earlier in the hearing, prosecutor Don Therkildsen argued to keep under wraps the alleged victim’s new assumed name and the location of the hospital he’s been receiving care at because of how scared he is of Sullivan.

“He’s under an alias, at a location that is not disclosed for his mental health and his physical safety,” Therkildsen said.

“The victim is terrified of this defendant,” the prosecutor said. “The allegations is he was literally almost dead when he made his escape from that room he was locked in for 20 years. He is at a medical facility for his care and safety.”

But Sullivan’s lawyer Ioannis Kaloidis argued that prosecutors were seeking to keep hidden information that every defendant has the right to to put on a thorough defense.

Kaloidis also argued in court papers that Sullivan has a constitutional right to confront her stepson in court. A protective order has been in place which bars her from contacting him.

“In every case, names and addresses of witnesses are provided, that is the end,” Kaloidis said. “They’re asking for something exceptional in this case.”

The defense attorney went on to say that the alleged victim’s fears are not a sufficient reason to keep this critical information from the defense and he noted that Sullivan, who doesn’t have a criminal record, hadn’t done anything so far to violate the order prohibiting her from contacting him.

“He may feel that he doesn’t want her to know his new name, maybe that he doesn’t want her to have that power over him, whatever woke expression that there is now, but the reality is that there’s no basis in the law to withhold this information,” Kaloidis said.

The defense attorney said not having the information would prevent him from preparing for the case.

“I have an ethical duty to investigate this case and adequately prepare for this case,” Kaloidis said. “Such a restriction would tie my hands.”

Klatt noted that Sullivan had no prior criminal history and hadn’t done anything to violate the order restricting her from seeing the alleged victim. The judge also noted Sullivan was being monitored through the bail commission.

“The defendant has a right to defend the case for charges against her, any allegations against her, and certainly, knowing the basic name and location is necessary for just a simple, basic investigation,” Klatt said.

The judge added that Sullivan and her team can only use the information to prepare for trial.

Klatt also denied Sullivan’s bid to lose her GPS ankle monitor on the grounds it kept malfunctioning.

The stepson’s lawyer, Eugene Riccio, was in court arguing that his client should have a say in Sullivan’s conditions of release. But Klatt said a victim is only allowed to interject during certain stages of a case like a plea hearing and sentencing.

“I think we should respectfully have the right to individually address the court regarding our safety concerns, regarding our client,” Riccio said. “Obviously, this is a very, very serious situation.”

Klatt responded: “He has the right to have his lawyers, but he doesn’t have the right to argue a motion within the court system.”

The stepson was rescued after he set fire to Sullivan’s Waterbury home in February — and was severely emaciated, weighing just 68 pounds at the time. He claimed that he intentionally sparked the blaze so he could escape his captivity at Sullivan’s hands. He’s been publicity identified as “S” since, with his new location kept confidential.

The victim’s biological mom, Tracy Vallerand, blasted Sullivan’s bid for her son’s personal information and to be able to confront him in court ahead of Friday’s hearing.

“They need to keep that thing away from my son,” Vallerand, 53, exclusively told The Post.

“I think it’s appalling. If you look at any domestic violence situation, you’re not going to let the person who is being the evil person around the one who needs to be protected,” she said.

“It’s appalling that they even had the audacity to request that.”

Vallerand has reached out to her son but she hasn’t heard back yet and wants to give him the space he needs.

Outside court, Kaloidis maintained Sullivan’s innocence and said they were looking forward to the trial. He also said he wasn’t surprised by the judge’s ruling in their favor.

“It’s not my job to reassure [the stepson],” Kaloidis said. “I don’t care about his feelings. I don’t care about any accuser’s feelings. My job is to represent my client.”

He also said he’d never risk his career divulging the alleged victim’s personal information.

Sullivan has been out free on $300,000 bail since she was arrested in March. She pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, unlawful restraint and other abuse-related crimes.

Sullivan is due back in court on Dec. 19.