Florida seeks death penalty in semi-truck child abuse case

Editor's Note: This story contains discussions of child abuse that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you suspect a child is being abused, find out how to report it in your state here. To connect with a counselor, you can call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4253. (NewsNation) — Florida authorities have charged two people and say they intend to seek the death penalty in a case involving four children who were allegedly sexually abused, neglected and confined to the cab of a semi-truck for more than six years. Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, of Jacksonville, and Keysha Monique Epps, 51, of Atlanta, Georgia, were the primary caregivers of the children, who lived with them in the truck's sleeper cab. Authorities said the children were forced to share a single bunk and were denied adequate food, hygiene, schooling and medical care. Two suffered untreated burns that left significant scarring. Two girls reported years of sexual abuse by Stewart, and one was found with an untreated sexually transmitted infection. 'These children were trapped in a rolling prison and abused by the adults who were supposed to protect them,' Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a statement. 'Florida has zero tolerance for anyone who preys on children. We will seek the maximum punishment under the law.' Uthmeier said his office intends to seek the death penalty in the case, according to Fox News. The two boys reported witnessing the alleged abuse and said they were beaten after confronting Stewart and telling Epps. Authorities allege Epps, who is alleged to be Stewart's fiancée, knew about the abuse but failed to stop or report it as required under Florida law. Stewart admitted to three sexual batteries against one of the girls, including one in Orlando, authorities said. Stewart is charged with 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 great bodily harm and two counts of child neglect causing permanent disfigurement. Epps is charged with 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 child neglect without great bodily harm, two counts of child neglect causing permanent disfigurement and four counts of failure to report child abuse.Submit Correction Δ