Connecticut
Connecticut woman arrested for holding stepson captive for over 20 years
A Connecticut woman has been arrested for holding her stepson captive for more than 20 years, subjecting him to severe neglect and abuse. The victim was discovered after intentionally setting fire to the home in a desperate attempt to escape.
The investigation began on February 17 when officers and personnel from the Waterbury Police and Fire Departments responded to a house fire at 2 Blake Street at approximately 8:42 p.m. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and discovered two occupants inside the residence, according to police.
One of the occupants, identified as 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, was able to evacuate safely. The second occupant, a 32-year-old male later determined to be Sullivan’s stepson, remained inside but was rescued by firefighters and placed in the care of emergency medical services (EMS). He had suffered smoke inhalation and exposure to the fire.
While receiving medical treatment, the man disclosed to first responders that he had intentionally set the fire in his upstairs room, stating, “I wanted my freedom.” He further alleged that he had been held captive by Sullivan since he was approximately 11 years old.
Detectives determined that the victim had endured prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment for over two decades. He was found in a severely emaciated condition and had not received medical or dental care during this time.
Investigators further revealed that he had been provided with only minimal amounts of food and water, leading to his extreme malnourishment.
As a result of the investigation, authorities issued an arrest warrant for Sullivan on Tuesday. She was located and taken into custody by Waterbury police on Wednesday.
Sullivan has been charged with multiple offenses, including Assault in the First Degree, Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Unlawful Restraint in the First Degree, Cruelty to Persons, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree. She was arraigned in court, where her bond was set at $300,000.
“The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable,” said Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo. “This case required relentless investigative effort, and I commend the dedication of our officers and the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office. Their unwavering commitment ensured that justice is served, and the perpetrator is held fully accountable for these horrific crimes.”
Connecticut
New businesses heading to West Haven’s shoreline
New businesses are soon set to replace old, rundown buildings in West Haven.
By the end of the summer, the former Savin Rock conference center is slated to become the Kelsey, a restaurant and banquet facility.
Crews are currently working on the inside, according to Mayor Dorinda Borer.
Next door, Jimmies of Savin Rock sits empty after it closed last month. It was open for a hundred years and is now for sale.
Borer said it’s another opportunity to draw people to the city.
“When there are new developers in town, and they’re making things all bright and shiny, that makes people attracted to our city,” Borer said. “It just seems like everything’s starting to bust loose at once. It’s a lot of work behind the scenes, and then it all starts to come to fruition.”
Thirty new luxury apartments are set to replace the Debonair Beach Motel that fell into disrepair after its last day open more than a decade ago. Demolition began last fall, and it’s expected to continue in March.
Down the street, new condos were built by the same owner of the restaurant and bar Riva. They opened their doors last summer, welcoming eager crowds.
“The turnout’s been unbelievable,” Riva’s owner, Michael Delvecchio, said. “People traveling from other states, New York, Rhode Island, all over Connecticut. It’s something that West Haven been dying for.”
Riva replaced Chick’s Drive-In, a West Haven hot-dog and seafood staple that closed in 2015 after its owner passed away.
Delvecchio doesn’t ignore that history. A sign that says “The Lodge at Riva” will be removed and replaced with “Chick’s” during the summer, with accompanying pictures of Savin Rock amusement park on the walls.
“Everybody in town has been, with all this shoreline and all this beach, waiting for something to happen,” he said. “Riva’s a little bit of everything.”
Connecticut
State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations
Connecticut State Police and the Chief State’s Attorney have opened an investigation into former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobsen and allegations that he misused public funds.
The City of New Haven reported the allegations to State’s Attorney John Doyle on Monday.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Monday Jacobson admitted to stealing money from a fund used by the New Haven Police Department to pay for an support its confidential informant program.
Several officers flagged irregularities in the account and notified the three assistant chiefs in the department, according to Elicker. It was then that the assistant chiefs confronted Jacobson on Monday morning.
Elicker said after being confronted, Jacobson admitted to taking the funds. The assistant chiefs then notified Chief Administrative Officer Justin McCarthy, who then notified Elicker.
Jacobson was called in for a meeting with Elicker, where he was to be placed on administrative leave. Elicker said that before the meeting, Jacobson handed in his paperwork to retire, effective immediately.
The mayor was unable to share additional details on how much money was reportedly taken or for how long due to the ongoing investigation.
Assistant Chief David Zannelli has been appointed as the acting police chief.
State police will conduct the investigation and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin has appointed New Britain Judicial District State’s Attorney Christian Watson to oversee the investigation to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Connecticut
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