Florida couple charged with child neglect after allegedly confining children in truck cab

A Florida couple, Keisha Epps, 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, are facing charges of child neglect after allegedly keeping four children confined in the cab of a tractor-trailer for nearly six years. According to arrest records, the children reported that they were not allowed to shower, use the restroom, or exercise outside, and had not attended school for approximately five years. Epps, who works as a truck driver, and Stewart lived in the cab while driving between Miami and Atlanta. The children were reportedly kept inside the vehicle for most of the day since December 2019. A detective noted that the children exhibited an unnatural gait due to their confinement and were poorly fed without access to medical or dental care. One child recounted a severe burn incident that went untreated, resulting in a permanent scar. The children also reported witnessing sexual abuse by Stewart, who allegedly responded with violence when confronted. Both Epps and Stewart were arrested on August 6, 2026, and charged with four counts of child neglect, each count carrying a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. Additional charges related to sexual battery against Stewart are expected to be filed. The couple is currently held in Duval County Jail, with bond set at $400,012 for Epps and Stewart held without bond.