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Children Lived in Truck Cab for Years
23 Aug
Summary
- Four children allegedly lived in a semitruck cab since December 2019.
- Guardians deprived children of schooling, medical care, and outside activity.
- Couple arrested in Jacksonville after multi-jurisdictional investigation.
Four children reportedly lived in the cramped cab of a semitruck since December 2019, rarely permitted outside and denied education and medical attention. Their guardian, truck driver Keisha Monique Epps, and her fiancé, Tamra Stewart, were arrested in Jacksonville on August 6. Investigators revealed the children shared a single bunk, with limited space to move. They allegedly had no formal schooling for years, relying on an unrecognized app. One child suffered a severe burn without medical treatment, resulting in a permanent scar. Stewart also faces charges of sexual battery and physical assault, with authorities alleging Epps knew of the abuse.
The children reported untreated medical issues, including an STI, and displayed an unnatural gait due to confinement. Epps faces four child neglect charges, each carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years. Stewart is held without bond. The investigation involved multiple jurisdictions, leading to the couple's detainment in Duval County Jail.
