Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says prosecutors will seek the death penalty for two adults accused of confining four children inside a tractor-trailer cab for nearly seven years. Keisha Monique Epps, 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, face charges involving sexual battery, molestation and child neglect in Duval County. Investigators allege the children experienced prolonged confinement, inadequate care, physical injuries and sexual abuse. Both defendants were arrested on Aug. 6 and remained jailed in Duval County as of Sept. 3 while awaiting trial.
| 1) | Death penalty request and charges |
| 2) | Alleged confinement inside a moving truck |
| 3) | Allegations of sexual and physical abuse |
| 4) | Medical, educational and daily-care concerns |
| 5) | Arrests, representation and next steps |
Death penalty request and charges
Uthmeier announced that his office intends to seek executions for Epps and Stewart if they are convicted. The defendants are accused of abusing two girls and two boys who were identified as two 5-year-olds, a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old. Florida law permits prosecutors to seek the death penalty in certain cases involving an adult convicted of sexual battery against a child younger than 12.
Stewart, identified as Epps’ fiancé, faces charges including sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority, lewd or lascivious molestation, battery of a child and multiple counts of child neglect. Epps faces sexual battery, molestation, child neglect and four counts of failing to report child abuse. The allegations remain unproven in court.
“These children were trapped in a rolling prison and abused by the adults who were supposed to protect them,” Uthmeier said.
Alleged confinement inside a moving truck
Investigators allege that the children lived inside the cab of a tractor-trailer with the adults for more than six years. Epps worked as a truck driver and frequently traveled between Miami and Atlanta, meaning the children were allegedly transported as the truck moved along that route.
The children reportedly spent most of their days inside the vehicle. Investigators said they were not given adequate opportunities to shower, use a restroom or exercise outdoors. They allegedly had to use cups and paper bags as toilets, while the adults used restrooms and showers during stops and left the children locked inside the cab.
Allegations of sexual and physical abuse
Uthmeier said the two girls were sexually abused by Stewart over a period of years. The boys allegedly witnessed abuse and confronted Stewart, who investigators say punched them in the head. Authorities also reported that the children told Epps about the alleged abuse and saw her witness it, but that she continued leaving them alone with Stewart.
Stewart allegedly told investigators that he committed three sexual batteries against one of the girls. One child was found to have an untreated sexually transmitted infection. Prosecutors also allege that two children suffered untreated burns, including one girl who was badly burned by cooked noodles and was left with a permanent scar.
Medical, educational and daily-care concerns
The children told authorities they had not been allowed to attend school for approximately five years. A detective reported that they walked with an unnatural gait, which investigators associated with prolonged confinement in the truck cab.
Investigators also described poor feeding and a lack of medical and dental care, including after emergencies. All four children allegedly shared a bunk so small that they had to sleep curled up side by side. Uthmeier said the alleged abuse and neglect caused severe physical problems.
Arrests, representation and next steps
Epps and Stewart were arrested Aug. 6 and were being held in the Duval County Jail on Sept. 3. The case is pending in Duval County, where prosecutors will pursue the charges and determine whether to formally advance a death-penalty prosecution.
The Duval County Office of the Public Defender represents Stewart. Epps is represented by Florida’s Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel. Neither office provided a comment before publication. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty against two defendants. |
| 2 | Four children were allegedly confined in a tractor-trailer cab for nearly seven years. |
| 3 | The allegations include sexual abuse, physical attacks, neglect and failure to report abuse. |
| 4 | Investigators described alleged school deprivation, untreated injuries and inadequate daily care. |
Summary
The case concerns serious allegations of prolonged confinement and abuse involving four children in Florida. Prosecutors say the evidence supports pursuing the maximum penalty against Epps and Stewart, but any punishment will depend on future court proceedings and verdicts. The defendants remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the defendants?
They are Keisha Monique Epps, 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, who was identified as Epps’ fiancé.
What are they accused of doing?
They are accused of confining four children in a tractor-trailer cab for nearly seven years and committing or permitting sexual abuse, physical abuse and severe neglect.
Why is the death penalty being considered?
The Florida attorney general said prosecutors will seek the death penalty under a state law that allows it in certain cases involving sexual battery against a child younger than 12.