A Florida couple has been charged with four counts of child neglect after investigators said four children spent nearly six years largely confined inside a tractor-trailer cab. The children allegedly traveled with the truck between Miami and Atlanta and were denied regular schooling, medical care, exercise and adequate living space. Court records also describe alleged physical abuse and an untreated sexually transmitted infection. The couple was arrested on August 6, 2026, and remains jailed while awaiting trial.
The allegations are based on interviews with the children, investigative reports and court documents. Authorities have redacted the children’s names, ages, sexes and relationships to the adults.
| 1) | Arrests and child neglect charges |
| 2) | Alleged confinement aboard a working truck |
| 3) | Education, health care and living conditions |
| 4) | Alleged violence and sexual abuse concerns |
| 5) | Case status and potential penalties |
Arrests and child neglect charges
Keisha Epps, 51, and her fiancé, Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, were arrested on August 6, 2026, in connection with the allegations. Each adult faces four third-degree felony counts of child neglect, with one count corresponding to each child.
Investigators allege that the adults failed to provide care, supervision, food, shelter, medicine and medical services necessary for the children’s physical and mental well-being. The allegations remain unproven in court, and the defendants are awaiting trial.
Alleged confinement aboard a working truck
According to court records, the children lived with Epps and Stewart inside the cab of a tractor-trailer from approximately December 2019. Epps allegedly drove a regular route between Miami and Atlanta, and the children remained in the vehicle for most of their days while the truck was used for work.
The children reportedly told interviewers that they were not given sufficient opportunities to shower, use the restroom or exercise outside. Investigators also reported that the children walked with an unnatural gait, which they attributed to prolonged confinement in the cab.
Education, health care and living conditions
The children allegedly had not attended school for about five years. Court documents say all four shared a bunk that was so small they had to sleep curled up side by side. The records also allege that they were fed poorly and did not receive routine medical or dental care.
One child reportedly described suffering a serious burn from cooked noodles. The child said there was significant bleeding, but no medical treatment was obtained. Records state that the injury left a permanent scar. Another child was found to have an untreated sexually transmitted infection.
The children reportedly said they were not given time to take showers, use the restroom or exercise outside.
Alleged violence and sexual abuse concerns
The children told investigators that Stewart watched them when Epps was sleeping, showering or driving. They also alleged that they witnessed sexual abuse and confronted Stewart about it. The reports say Stewart responded by punching them in the head.
The identity of the alleged sexual-abuse victim was not disclosed in the available records. The children reportedly said they informed Epps and that she also witnessed the alleged abuse. They further alleged that Epps used derogatory names toward one child and continued leaving the children alone with Stewart.
Case status and potential penalties
The investigative report filed in court was heavily redacted, and information identifying the children was withheld. The adults remain in custody while the case proceeds. Bond for Epps was set at $400,012, while Stewart was being held without bond.
Each child neglect conviction could carry a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000. Court documents also indicate that capital sexual battery charges against Stewart are expected to be filed by the state prosecutor in the Ninth Judicial District. Under Florida law, a conviction for sexual battery involving a child younger than 12 can carry life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two Florida adults face four child neglect charges each. |
| 2 | Four children allegedly lived in a tractor-trailer cab from about December 2019. |
| 3 | The children allegedly lacked schooling, medical care, exercise and adequate sleeping space. |
| 4 | Investigators documented allegations of physical violence and sexual abuse concerns. |
| 5 | The defendants remain jailed as prosecutors pursue the case. |
Summary
The case centers on allegations that four children were kept in a tractor-trailer cab for years while being denied education, health care and normal opportunities for exercise. The defendants face felony neglect charges, and additional serious charges may follow. The allegations will be tested through the criminal court process, with the children’s identities protected in public records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Keisha Epps and Tamra Marshon Stewart were arrested on August 6, 2026.
What charges do they face?
Both adults face four third-degree felony child neglect charges, one for each child. Additional sexual battery charges against Stewart are expected, according to court documents.
How long were the children allegedly confined?
The children allegedly lived in the tractor-trailer cab from approximately December 2019 until the investigation, meaning nearly six years.
What information about the children has been released?
Their names, ages, sexes and relationships to the adults and one another were redacted from the available reports.
