4 Siblings Held in Truck For 7 Years by Woman and Her Fiancé, 1 Child Infected with STI: Police

**Two Florida Residents Arrested on Child Neglect Charges After Seven-Year Captivity in Truck**

In a harrowing case from Florida, two individuals have been arrested on multiple charges of child neglect after four children were rescued from a horrific living situation. The suspects, 51-year-old Keisha Epps and her 37-year-old fiancé Tamra Stewart, have been implicated in the alleged abuse and neglect of the children, who reportedly endured seven years of confinement in the cab of a semi-truck without access to basic necessities, medical care, or education.

According to the information disclosed in police affidavits, the children began living in the cab of the truck in December 2019, under conditions that severely compromised their health and wellbeing. It is alleged that Epps and Stewart not only denied the children adequate space and access to the restroom but also failed to provide them with proper hygiene facilities and opportunities for physical activity. The children’s plight came to light when they were finally rescued, leading to the arrests of Epps and Stewart earlier this month.

Reports indicate that the four children were forced to share the limited space of a top bunk bed, often needing to curl up due to the cramped conditions. The suspects reportedly failed to allow the children time for showers or proper bathroom use, exacerbating their living conditions throughout their captivity. The cab of the truck, described as an inadequate living space, was the site of both neglect and violence.

Witness accounts from the children added further gravity to the situation, detailing instances of alleged sexual abuse by Stewart against one of the girls. When the abuse was confronted by another sibling, the affidavit alleges that Stewart reacted violently, physically assaulting the child. Additionally, Epps is accused of being present during these alleged incidents and of dismissing the children’s claims when they reported the sexual abuse, reportedly calling them derogatory names instead of taking action.

The plight of the children did not end with their confinement, as they were also reportedly denied medical treatment for serious injuries. In one alarming account, a child sustained severe burns after coming into contact with hot noodles but was not taken for medical attention. Instead, the injuries were inadequately treated within the truck. Another child also suffered from a sexually transmitted infection, which went untreated until diagnosed during a medical examination by the Child Protection Team in Clay County in May 2026.

Authorities have yet to ascertain the specifics surrounding the children’s eventual rescue and how the police were notified. The suggestions of untreated medical conditions among the children highlight the neglect they suffered while in the care of Epps and Stewart, both of whom face repercussions for their actions. Currently, Stewart has not been charged with any sexual offences, though legal documents indicate that prosecutors intend to pursue charges related to sexual battery.

Both Epps and Stewart were charged with four counts of child neglect, with court records reflecting their legal challenges as the case unfolds. Plea information has not been released, and both individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues.

The allegations in this case have sparked outrage across the community and raised important questions about child welfare and protection. As investigators delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the children’s captivity, officials are urging anyone with knowledge of abuse situations to speak out and utilise available resources.

Individuals who suspect child abuse are encouraged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline for confidential support, available 24/7 in multiple languages. In cases of sexual abuse, crisis intervention services are accessible to offer assistance and guidance to survivors and their families.

The situation remains ongoing, with many awaiting updates as the legal proceedings for both Epps and Stewart develop in court. The wellbeing of the four children, now in safe care, is of paramount concern as their recovery process begins.