Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against a couple for allegedly sexually battering, molesting, and neglecting four children being held captive in the cab of a semi-truck for over six years.
He announced the charges while speaking at a press conference in Kissimmee in Osceola County this week.
“These children were trapped in a rolling prison and abused by the adults who were supposed to protect them,” Uthmeier said. “Florida has zero tolerance for anyone who preys on children. We will seek the maximum punishment under the law.”
According to an investigation, Keysha Monique Epps, a commercial truck driver, and Tamra Marshon Stewart were caregivers of the children who lived in Epp's commercial truck as it ran routes from Atlanta to Miami from 2020 to 2026. The investigation subsequently found the four children living in a single bunk while also being denied food, hygiene, schooling, and medical care.
In addition, two of the children also had untreated burns leading to scarring. Another child was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection after leaving the couple's custody.
Two of the children later told investigators Stewart sexually abused them.
In addition, two of the children revealed alleged sexual abuse by Stewart. Two of the boys who witnessed the abuse were also subsequently beaten after confronting Stewart and allegedly telling Epps of the incident.
Stewart later admitted to three sexual batteries against one of the girls, including an incident in Orlando to investigators. Failing to report abuse is a crime under Florida Statute.
“Children are Florida’s future—our greatest hopes and our most sacred responsibility,” Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said. "The individuals in this case didn’t just break the law; they violated the trust and safety every child deserves. Let this be unmistakably clear: If you harm a child in the state of Florida, we will find you, and we will ensure you are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Stewart is charged with two counts of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority and two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12, among other crimes. Epps is also charged with two counts of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority and two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12, among other crimes.
