Florida prosecutors have filed 22 criminal charges against two women accused of abusing and confining four children inside the sleeper cab of a semi-truck for more than six years. According to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, the alleged conduct took place between January 2020 and April 2026 and includes accusations of sexual battery, molestation, physical violence, neglect and permanent disfigurement.
Uthmeier identified the defendants as 37-year-old Tamra Marshon Stewart of Jacksonville and 51-year-old Keysha Monique Epps of Atlanta, Georgia. Epps worked as a commercial truck driver, while both women were described as the children’s primary caregivers. The charges were filed in Orange County, Florida.
The four victims — two boys and two girls — were identified by Uthmeier during a live news conference on Tuesday as two 5-year-olds, one 6-year-old and one 9-year-old. The Attorney General’s written release did not specify their ages. Uthmeier described the investigation as involving some of the most horrific circumstances his team had encountered.
Epps regularly operated commercial routes between Atlanta and Miami, with stops across Florida, including Orlando. According to Uthmeier, the children were repeatedly left inside the truck while the women continued traveling.
“They would leave the kids locked in this rolling dungeon,” Uthmeier said during the live conference.
Investigators allege that the children spent much of their lives confined inside the sleeper cab as the truck remained on the road.
Six years confined inside a single sleeper cab
All four children reportedly shared one bunk inside the truck. Investigators found that they had been deprived of adequate food, hygiene, education and medical attention over an extended period.
During Tuesday’s conference, Uthmeier said the children were malnourished and did not receive regular meals, proper cleaning or showers. Officials also revealed details about their access to a bathroom, saying the children were forced to use cups and paper bags as toilets. That information was not included in the Attorney General’s written release.
Authorities linked those conditions to the children’s prolonged confinement inside Epps’ commercial truck.
Two of the children suffered burns that were left untreated and ultimately caused significant scarring. Officials have not explained how the injuries occurred.
One child was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection after being removed from the women’s custody. Authorities have not provided additional information about that child’s medical condition.
Two girls told investigators they had endured years of sexual abuse involving Stewart. The two boys reportedly witnessed the abuse inside the truck. According to investigators, the boys also described being beaten after confronting Stewart and informing Epps about what was happening.
Authorities accuse Epps of knowing about Stewart’s alleged abuse and failing to stop it.
Florida law requires certain individuals to report suspected child abuse. Prosecutors allege that Epps did not fulfill that legal obligation.
During a post-Miranda interview, Stewart admitted to three sexual batteries involving one of the girls. Her admissions included an offense that allegedly occurred in Orlando.
Uthmeier said during Tuesday’s news conference that information provided through tips helped authorities uncover the case. He estimated that the investigation began approximately three to four weeks before the conference.
Officials have not identified the person or people who provided the information. They also have not disclosed how investigators located the truck or how the children were ultimately removed from it.
Prosecutors detail 22 criminal charges
Stewart faces 10 criminal counts.
Two counts accuse her of sexual battery involving someone who held familial or custodial authority. Two additional counts allege lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12.
Stewart also faces two counts related to battery involving the expulsion of certain fluids or materials.
The remaining four charges involve child neglect. Two allege child neglect without great bodily harm, while the other two concern permanent disfigurement. Prosecutors connected those allegations to the children’s injuries and the conditions in which they were allegedly kept.
Epps faces 12 criminal counts.
Two counts accuse her of sexual battery involving a person with familial or custodial authority. Another two allege lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12.
Four additional neglect charges involve allegations of bodily harm and permanent disfigurement.
Prosecutors have also charged Epps with four counts of failing to report child abuse. Investigators allege that she knew about Stewart’s conduct but did not intervene or contact law enforcement. Those alleged failures are included in the Orange County case.
“These children were trapped in a rolling prison,” Uthmeier said in the written announcement.
The Attorney General pledged to pursue the maximum punishment permitted under Florida law. During Tuesday’s conference, Uthmeier also said prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if legally permitted.
“Florida has zero tolerance for anyone who preys on children,” he added.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass described children as “our greatest hopes” and “our most sacred responsibility.” He said anyone responsible for harming a child in Florida must be held accountable.
Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon similarly described the protection of children as nonnegotiable. He urged anyone who sees signs of danger to contact law enforcement immediately.
Investigation remains open
Special Counsels Rita Peters, Stephanie Bergen and Beth Shelley will lead the prosecution. The case will proceed through Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit.
The investigation remains active, and authorities said additional charges could still be filed. No date has been announced for the defendants’ next scheduled hearing.
The four children are now receiving physical and emotional treatment, Uthmeier said during Tuesday’s live conference. He warned that their recovery could take considerable time.
Authorities have not disclosed where the children are currently living or provided specific details about their present condition. Officials have also withheld information about the nature of the children’s relationships with Stewart and Epps.
Why It Matters
For transportation professionals, the case highlights how commercial vehicles can potentially conceal criminal activity while moving across multiple jurisdictions.
The circumstances also underscore the importance of recognizing warning signs and reporting suspected abuse as quickly as possible. In cases involving commercial transportation, drivers, fleet personnel and others who encounter unusual or concerning situations may be in a position to alert authorities and help endangered passengers sooner.
