Four children were allegedly confined for years inside the sleeper cab of a tractor-trailer, denied basic necessities and subjected to physical and sexual abuse while traveling between Atlanta and Miami, according to Florida authorities.
Florida prosecutors say they will seek the maximum punishment allowed by law against two people accused of confining four children inside a tractor-trailer for years and subjecting them to physical and sexual abuse.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier called the truck a “rolling dungeon” while announcing expanded charges against Keysha Monique Epps, 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37.
Tamra Marshon Stewart, left, and Keysha Monique Epps are accused of abusing and neglecting four children who allegedly lived inside a tractor-trailer for years. The allegations have not been proven in court. (Booking photos: Florida authorities)
The allegations have not been proven in court. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.
According to investigators, the two girls and two boys lived in the truck’s sleeper compartment while Epps worked as a commercial truck driver, primarily traveling between Atlanta and Miami. Authorities allege the children were confined there for most of their lives from January 2020 through April 2026.
Prosecutors say the children had limited access to the outside, bathrooms, showers, medical and dental care, education and adequate food.
All four children allegedly slept together on a single bunk, forcing them to curl up beside one another because there was not enough room. Investigators reportedly observed that prolonged confinement had affected the way the children walked.
“The evidence makes clear, the girls were sexually abused by Stewart,” Uthmeier said during a news conference. “The boys watched it, and when they would confront Stewart or report it to Epps, they would be physically abused themselves and injured.”
Authorities allege Stewart assaulted the boys when they attempted to intervene or disclose what they had witnessed. Epps is accused of knowing about the alleged abuse, failing to stop or report it and continuing to leave the children under Stewart’s supervision.
Investigators also allege the children were sometimes forced to relieve themselves in cups or paper bags. When the truck stopped at fuel stations, prosecutors say the adults would use the restrooms or showers while leaving the children inside the tractor.
Children allegedly denied medical care
The allegations extend beyond confinement.
One child reportedly suffered serious burns while attempting to prepare noodles without adult assistance. Prosecutors say the injury was never professionally treated and left the child permanently scarred.
Another child was reportedly diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection after authorities intervened.
Uthmeier said the children suffered serious physical and psychological harm and will likely need extensive treatment.
“These children were trapped in a rolling prison and abused by the adults who were supposed to protect them,” Uthmeier said.
Authorities have not publicly identified the children or fully disclosed their relationship to either defendant. Those details have been withheld to protect the children.
Defendants face multiple felony charges
Florida authorities announced charges against Stewart that include:
- Two counts of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority
- Two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child younger than 12
- Two counts involving battery of a child
- Two counts of child neglect without great bodily harm
- Two counts of child neglect causing permanent disfigurement
Epps faces charges that include:
- Two counts of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority
- Two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child younger than 12
- Two counts of child neglect without great bodily harm
- Two counts of child neglect causing permanent disfigurement
- Four counts of failing to report child abuse
The exact charging language and number of counts could change as the prosecution proceeds.
Both defendants were arrested August 6 and remained in the Duval County Jail as of the latest publicly reported update. Stewart was reportedly being held without bond, while Epps was assigned a bond exceeding $400,000.
Florida law allows death, but Supreme Court precedent creates a major obstacle
Florida law authorizes either the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for an adult convicted of capital sexual battery involving a child younger than 12.
However, the death-penalty provision directly conflicts with existing U.S. Supreme Court precedent.
In its 2008 decision in Kennedy v. Louisiana, the Supreme Court ruled that the Eighth Amendment prohibits executing someone for raping a child when the victim was not killed and the crime was not intended to result in death.
Florida lawmakers enacted the state’s current child sexual-battery death-penalty statute in 2023 despite that ruling. The law was deliberately written to create an opportunity for the Supreme Court to reconsider or overturn its earlier decision.
That means death is the maximum punishment written into Florida law, but life imprisonment without parole remains the harshest sentence that is unquestionably enforceable under current Supreme Court precedent.
Prosecutors could pursue a death sentence under Florida law. However, any death sentence imposed in a case where the child survived would face an immediate and substantial constitutional challenge. It could not ultimately be carried out unless the Supreme Court overturns or significantly narrows its decision in Kennedy v. Louisiana.
Uthmeier has said Florida will seek the maximum punishment permitted by law. The final punishment available in this case will depend on the charges filed, the evidence presented, the outcome of any trial and whether Florida’s death-penalty statute survives federal constitutional review.
Additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.
“Florida has zero tolerance for anyone who preys on children,” Uthmeier said. “We will seek the maximum punishment under the law.”
Children now reported safe
Authorities said a tip led investigators to begin making observations and ultimately intervene. Officials have released few details about the tip or how the children were removed from the truck.
The four children are now reported to be safe and receiving assistance, although Uthmeier warned that their recovery will likely be lengthy.
Because the criminal cases remain pending, the allegations presented by prosecutors and investigators have not yet been tested before a jury. Attorneys representing the defendants had not issued detailed public responses to the expanded allegations at the time of publication.
Anyone who believes a child is in immediate danger should call 911. Suspected child abuse can also be reported through the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline by calling or texting 800-422-4453.
