A Florida couple faces charges for allegedly neglecting four children by confining them in the cab of a tractor-trailer for almost six years. Arrest records reveal that the children had no regular access to showers, restrooms, or outdoor exercise.
The children reportedly have not attended school for five years. Keisha Epps, 51, and her fiancé, Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, were living with the children in the truck cab while Epps worked as a truck driver. Her route ran between Miami and Atlanta, according to court documents.
Since December 2019, the children spent most of their time inside the vehicle. A detective noted they walked with an unnatural gait due to the confinement. They were poorly fed and lacked medical or dental care, including during emergencies.
One child recalled burning herself badly with hot noodles, describing the injury as severe with a lot of blood. Neither Epps nor Stewart sought medical treatment for her, leaving a permanent scar.
According to court records, all four children shared a small bunk, forcing them to sleep curled up. Stewart reportedly watched the children while Epps was occupied. However, reports indicate that when the children confronted Stewart about witnessing sexual abuse, he physically assaulted them by punching their heads. The identity of the abuse victim remains unclear.
The children also informed investigators about sexual abuse and their attempts to tell Epps, who, despite witnessing abuse, left the children in Stewart’s care and used derogatory names toward them. One child contracted an untreated sexually transmitted infection.
Epps and Stewart were arrested on August 6, 2026. They face four counts of child neglect, one for each child. Each count is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, and a possible $5,000 fine.
Investigators cited a willful failure to provide necessary care for the children’s physical and mental health, including food, clothing, shelter, supervision, and medical services.
Stewart also faces upcoming charges of capital sexual battery in the 9th Judicial District. Under Florida law, sexual battery of a child younger than 12 can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
Due to redacted information, the public remains unaware of the children’s ages, sexes, and family relationships. Epps and Stewart currently await trial in Duval County Jail, with bond set at $400,012 for Epps and no bond for Stewart.