A couple from Florida faces serious charges of child neglect after accusations surfaced about the prolonged mistreatment of four children. Arrest records indicate that the children were confined to a truck’s cab for nearly six years. During this period, they reportedly lacked basic necessities like the opportunity to shower, use the restroom, or exercise outside.

According to an arrest report, the children shared that they had been unable to attend school for approximately five years. Keisha Epps, 51, and her fiancé, Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, have been residing in the cab while Epps works as a truck driver on a route between Miami and Atlanta.

Conditions Inside the Truck

Since December 2019, the children spent most of their days inside the vehicle. Investigators also noted an unusual gait in the children, attributed to their prolonged confinement in the cab. Their diet was inadequate, and they had no access to medical or dental care, not even during emergencies.

The children have not been allowed to attend school for approximately five years.

In one incident, a child recalled burning herself severely with cooked noodles, but neither Epps nor Stewart sought any medical help for her. This incident left the child with a permanent scar.

Allegations of Abuse

The environment also exposed the children to abuse. Stewart, who supervised the children while Epps worked, reportedly physically assaulted them when confronted about sexual abuse they had witnessed. Despite the children informing Epps of these incidents, she neglected to act, according to the reports. One child was diagnosed with an untreated sexually transmitted infection.

All four children had to share a bunk so cramped they had to sleep curled up side by side. The situation came to a head when Epps and Stewart were arrested on August 6, 2023.

Legal Proceedings

Both Epps and Stewart face four counts of child neglect. Each count, classified as a third-degree felony, carries a possible sentence of up to five years in prison, alongside probation and fines. The allegations detail a prolonged failure to provide necessary care, supervision, and essential services.

Actions demonstrated a committed, willful failure or omission to provide necessary care.

The case also involves potential charges of ‘capital sexual battery’ against Stewart, which, under Florida law, could result in life imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty upon conviction.

While awaiting trial, Epps and Stewart remain in the Duval County Jail. Epps’s bond is set at $400,012, whereas Stewart is held without bond. Details about the children, including their ages and relationship to the couple, remain confidential due to privacy protections.