Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced plans to pursue the death penalty against two adults accused of confining and sexually abusing four children in a tractor-trailer cab for up to six years. Keisha Monique Epps, aged 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, aged 37, face charges of sexual battery, molestation, and neglect involving two girls and two boys aged 5, 6, and 9.
Living in the cab of a truck, allegedly with the children, Epps, who worked as a truck driver, frequently traveled the route between Miami and Atlanta. Epps and her fiancé Stewart, arrested on August 6, remain in custody awaiting trial. Uthmeier described the situation as one of extreme abuse.
The adults allegedly trapped the children in a ‘rolling prison’ and abused them. Uthmeier stated that Florida would pursue the death penalty for such offenses against children under 12.
According to reports, Stewart sexually abused the girls for years. When the boys confronted him about his behavior, he allegedly responded with violence, beating them. Epps, reportedly aware of the abuse, allegedly did nothing to stop it.
The abuse extended beyond sexual acts. The children reportedly lacked basic hygiene and exercise opportunities. Reports noted they were confined to the cab without chances for showering or using a restroom. In stops, Epps and Stewart allegedly left the children locked inside, while they addressed personal needs.
The children’s imprisonment lasted several years, during which they were deprived of schooling and sufficient nutrition. Medical care was reportedly ignored. This neglect resulted in untreated burns and infections, leaving lasting scars and injuries.
Reports note that the children shared a cramped bunk, enduring their confinement without direct access to basic care. Stewart, when Epps was otherwise occupied, was responsible for supervising them.
The charges against Stewart include sexual battery, lewd molestation, battery, and child neglect. Epps faces similar charges, along with failure to report abuse. Both were held in Duval County Jail with legal representation provided by public defenders.