KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stood alongside law enforcement officials in Kissimmee on Tuesday to announce that four children had been rescued and two accused child predators taken into custody.
The children — two boys and two girls between the ages of 5 and 9 — had spent six years living inside the cab of a semi-truck, Uthmeier said. Authorities said the children were sexually abused, malnourished and made to use cups and paper bags as a bathroom.
“Here in Florida, we have zero tolerance for anybody that wants to hurt kids,” Uthmeier said. “We will find you. There is nowhere to hide.”
Investigators identified the suspects as 37-year-old Tamra Marshon Stewart, of Jacksonville, and 51-year-old Keysha Monique Epps, of Atlanta, Georgia. Both are facing multiple charges, including sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 and child neglect. Uthmeier said his office intends to pursue the death penalty.
According to Uthmeier, the investigation started about three to four weeks ago after authorities received a tip that led them to the children. He said all four victims are now safe and receiving treatment, though their recovery is expected to take time.
