Florida prosecutors have filed 22 charges against two women accused of abusing four children inside a semi-truck sleeper cab. According to Attorney General James Uthmeier, the children were kept there for more than six years. Investigators examined conduct that allegedly occurred from January 2020 through April 2026. The case includes accusations of sexual battery, molestation, physical violence, neglect, and permanent disfigurement.

Uthmeier identified Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, as a Jacksonville resident. His office named Keysha Monique Epps, 51, of Atlanta, Georgia. Epps worked as a commercial truck driver while both women served as the children’s primary caregivers. Prosecutors filed the charges in Orange County, Florida.

The victims were two boys and two girls. During Tuesday’s live news conference, Uthmeier identified them as two 5-year-olds, one 6-year-old, and one 9-year-old. The attorney general’s written release did not include their ages. Uthmeier said the case was among the most horrific his team had handled.

Epps regularly drove commercial routes between Atlanta and Miami, with stops throughout Florida, including Orlando. “They would leave the kids locked in this rolling dungeon,” Uthmeier said during the live conference. Investigators accuse both women of keeping the children inside while remaining almost continuously on the road, underscoring how allegations tied to long-haul work can span several jurisdictions before authorities intervene.

Six years inside one sleeper cab

All four children shared a single bunk inside the truck. Investigators reported inadequate food, hygiene, schooling and medical care. During the live conference, Uthmeier described the children as malnourished and said they lacked regular meals, cleaning and showers.

Tuesday’s news conference added further details about bathroom access. Officials said the children used cups and paper bags as toilets. That information was not included in the attorney general’s written release. Authorities linked those conditions to the prolonged confinement inside Epps’ truck.

Two of the children suffered untreated burns that left significant scars. Authorities did not explain how those injuries occurred. One child was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection after leaving the women’s custody. Officials have not released additional information about that victim’s medical condition.

Two girls disclosed years of sexual abuse involving Stewart. Both boys said they witnessed that conduct inside the truck. They also described beatings after confronting Stewart and telling Epps. Investigators accuse Epps of knowing about the abuse without stopping it.

Florida law requires people to report suspected child abuse under certain circumstances. Prosecutors say Epps failed to meet that obligation. Stewart admitted to three sexual batteries against one girl during a post-Miranda interview. Her admissions included an offense that occurred in Orlando.

During Tuesday’s conference, Uthmeier said tips led authorities to the case. He said the investigation began about three to four weeks earlier. Officials have not identified who provided the information. Authorities also have not said how investigators located the truck or removed the children.

Prosecutors outline 22 criminal charges

Stewart faces 10 criminal counts. Two charges accuse her of sexual battery by someone holding familial or custodial authority. Another two counts accuse her of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12. Two additional counts concern battery through expelling certain fluids or materials.

Four neglect charges complete Stewart’s case. Two involve child neglect without great bodily harm, and two concern permanent disfigurement. Prosecutors linked those allegations to the children’s injuries and living conditions.

Epps faces 12 criminal counts. Two charges accuse her of sexual battery by someone holding familial or custodial authority. Another two counts accuse her of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12. Four neglect charges address bodily harm and permanent disfigurement.

Prosecutors also charged Epps with four failures to report child abuse. Investigators say she knew about Stewart’s actions. Authorities allege Epps neither intervened nor contacted law enforcement. Florida prosecutors included those omissions in the Orange County filing.

“These children were trapped in a rolling prison,” Uthmeier said in the written announcement. He pledged to seek the maximum punishment available under Florida law. During Tuesday’s conference, Uthmeier said he planned 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 said children are “our greatest hopes” and “our most sacred responsibility.” Glass promised accountability for anyone who harms a child in Florida. Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon called protecting children nonnegotiable and urged anyone who notices danger to contact law enforcement immediately.

Investigation remains open

Special counsels Rita Peters, Stephanie Bergen and Beth Shelley will handle the prosecution. The case will proceed in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit. Authorities are continuing the investigation and may file additional charges. Officials have not announced the next scheduled hearing date.

The children are now receiving physical and emotional treatment, according to Tuesday’s live conference. Uthmeier said their recovery could take considerable time. Authorities have not disclosed their current location or specific conditions. Officials also did not provide details about their relationship to Stewart or Epps.

Transportation professionals should recognize how commercial equipment can conceal criminal conduct across multiple jurisdictions. Careful observation and immediate reporting may help authorities identify endangered passengers sooner.