Waterbury police and the mayor held a press conference on Thursday, March 13, to provide more details on the case. Watch the event in the video player above.

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut woman accused of holding her stepson captive for 20 years posted bond Thursday and was released from police custody.

The 32-year-old victim of the alleged captivity was found weighing just 68 pounds when he intentionally set his home on fire to gain freedom last month, according to police.

During a press conference on Thursday, police said the man was found in a severely emaciated condition when firefighters assisted him out of the Blake Street home on Feb. 17. The man told emergency crews about the alleged captivity, and an investigation began immediately.

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said investigators found the case “unfathomable” from the beginning, and it took them time to truly accept what was going on.

“In 33 years in law enforcement, this is the worst treatment of humanity that I’ve ever witnessed,” Spagnolo said. “It’s shuddering to think that someone would treat any person, let alone a family member … in this way.”

Through physical evidence and accounts from the victim, they’ve determined the victim was confined most days to a back storage room that measured eight by nine feet. Police said he was allowed out of the room for 15 minutes to a couple hours daily, noting that it was usually for chores.

The victim also recounted not having access to a bathroom, water and food.

“It was worse than the conditions of a jail cell,” Spagnolo said.

Now, the victim has a lot of healing to do- both physically and mentally. He has orthopedic issues due to the room being very small and will need physical therapy, in addition to mental health support, police said.

Spagnolo said investigators started a collection to buy him some items to make his recovery more comfortable.

Police plan to continue to support him.

The victim’s stepmother, 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, was arrested Wednesday in connection to the allegations.

In Thursday’s bond hearing, the judge denied prosecutors’ request to order electronic monitoring and 24-hour confinement for her. She posted a $300,000 bond and was released from police custody. A pretrial services officer will closely monitor her between court dates. 

“Given this affidavit, there’s allegations coming from one single person, from a single complainant,” Sullivan’s attorney Jason Spilka said. “At the end of the day, I don’t see how that could be viewed that could be seen as a threat to the general public.”

Police said Sullivan was the only other occupant in the home and is currently believed to be the sole person responsible for the alleged crimes.

“As of now, given the information that we have, and we have the same information that you do, the arrest warrant, it’s a blank denial,” Spilka told reporters. “She is shocked by these allegations.”

The lawyer said Spilka plans to enter a not guilty plea.

Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski, Jr. said the case is “truly horrifying” and “beyond comprehension.”

“The young man’s unimaginable suffering over the course of two decades is just a reminder of the darkness that does exists in our world,” he said. “Our hearts and our prayers go out to him. We’re committed to supporting him in every way possible as he begins to heal from this unimaginable trauma that he’s suffered.”

Spagnolo said this case is a reminder to others to say something if they notice something peculiar.

Sullivan’s next court date is scheduled for March 26.