A Florida woman and her fiancé have been accused of keeping four children inside the cab of a tractor-trailer truck for several years, allegedly denying them access to education, proper medical care, hygiene and normal living conditions.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Keisha Monique Epps, 51, and Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, were arrested during the first week of August 2026 and each charged with four counts of child neglect.
According to court documents, authorities said the children had been living inside the truck with the two adults since December 2019.
The disturbing allegations came to light after investigators learned about the children’s living conditions and interviewed them as part of a child protection investigation.
Children allegedly denied education for years
Authorities said the children told investigators they had not been allowed to attend school for approximately five years.
They also reportedly said they had not received routine medical or dental care during that period.
A detective stated in court documents that the children had not seen a doctor or dentist for either urgent treatment or preventive healthcare.
The lack of education and medical attention has raised serious concerns about the children’s welfare and the length of time they allegedly remained isolated from normal social and educational environments.
The documents also described severe hygiene problems and restricted movement inside the vehicle.
Children allegedly spent most of their time inside truck
Investigators said the children spent most of their days inside the cab of the tractor-trailer.
They allegedly shared a bed and were unable to lie flat in the sleeping area because the bunk was too small.
According to the documents, the children were rarely allowed to leave the truck, including when they needed to use the bathroom.
Authorities also alleged that the children were poorly fed and were not allowed to shower or exercise regularly.
Stewart allegedly remained responsible for watching the children while Epps drove the truck.
It remains unclear why the children were allegedly kept in the vehicle for such a prolonged period.
One child allegedly suffered sexual abuse
The case took an even more disturbing turn after authorities alleged that one of the children had been sexually assaulted by Stewart.
According to court documents, the child was later diagnosed with an untreated sexually transmitted infection during a medical examination conducted by the Child Protection Team in May.
Investigators alleged that the child and other children told Epps about the alleged abuse.
However, authorities claim Epps did not intervene and instead blamed the children for Stewart’s alleged behaviour.
The documents further allege that when the children confronted Stewart, he responded by punching them in the head.
A prosecutor is expected to pursue additional sexual battery charges in connection with the allegations.
The allegations remain accusations, and the defendants are entitled to due process.
Arrests and court proceedings
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested Epps and Stewart during the first week of August.
Both suspects face four counts of child neglect.
Epps’ bond was reportedly set at $100,000 for each count, bringing her total bond to $400,000.
She was also ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device and prohibited from having contact with minors, the alleged victims, witnesses or her co-defendant.
Court documents indicate that Epps is scheduled to appear in court on September 3.
Stewart, meanwhile, is being held without bond.
The case could become more serious if prosecutors formally file additional charges related to the alleged sexual assault.
Questions surrounding the children’s welfare
The allegations have raised questions about how the children could allegedly remain in such conditions for years without the situation being discovered.
Authorities have not publicly provided extensive details about how the investigation began or how the children were ultimately identified and removed from the truck.
It is also unclear whether the four children were related to Epps, Stewart or each other.
The identities of the children have not been released publicly, in keeping with protections generally provided to minors involved in criminal investigations.
A disturbing case involving child protection
The allegations have drawn attention to the importance of ensuring that children have access to education, healthcare, adequate nutrition, hygiene and safe living conditions.
If prosecutors establish the allegations in court, the case could result in significant criminal consequences for the defendants.
For now, however, the charges remain allegations and the accused individuals will have the opportunity to respond through the legal process.
The four children are now at the centre of a major child welfare investigation, while authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding their years inside the truck.
The case is expected to attract further attention as Epps returns to court in September and prosecutors determine whether additional charges will be filed.
Read more about child protection and reporting suspected abuse on the official Florida Department of Children and Families website.
