‘A rolling prison’: 4 children confined, abused in semi-truck for 6 years, Florida AG says
By Allison Petro
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FLORIDA (WESH) — Two people were arrested for allegedly sexually battering and molesting children who were confined inside the cab of a semi-truck for years, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday.
Uthmeier described the case as one of the most horrific his team has worked on.
The two suspects were identified as Keisha Epps and Tamra Stewart. They were accused of sexually battering, molesting and neglecting four children.
Uthmeier said the children were confined to the cab of a semi-truck for about six years.
The victims included two boys and two girls ranging in age from five to nine years old.
The suspects were on the road nonstop, frequently traveling between Miami and Atlanta.
“This was a rolling prison,” Uthmeier said.
Stewart allegedly sexually abused the two girls. When the boys confronted him or reported the abuse to Epps, they were physically assaulted and injured, Uthmeier said.
The victims were malnourished and were not frequently fed or allowed to shower.
Stewart is facing the following charges:
Two counts of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority Two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12 Two counts of battery of a child by expelling certain fluids or materials Two counts of child neglect without bodily harm Two counts of child neglect causing permanent disfigurement
Epps is facing the following charges:
Two counts of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority Two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 Two counts of child neglect without bodily harm Two counts of child neglect causing permanent disfigurement Four counts of failure to report child abuse
Uthmeier said Florida has zero tolerance for those who harm children and will seek the death penalty if permitted by law.
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