Florida AG calls semi-truck a ‘rolling dungeon’ after 4 children confined for 6 years

Six years inside one sleeper cab

All four children shared a single bunk inside the truck. Investigators reported inadequate food, hygiene, schooling, and medical care. During the live conference, Uthmeier described the victims as malnourished. He added that they lacked regular meals, cleaning, and showers.

Tuesday’s news conference provided further details about bathroom access. Officials reported that the children used cups and paper bags as toilets. The Attorney General’s written release did not contain that information. Authorities connected those conditions to the prolonged confinement inside Epps’ truck.

Two children suffered untreated burns that left significant scars. Authorities provided no explanation about how those injuries occurred. One child received a sexually transmitted infection diagnosis after leaving the women’s custody. Officials have not released further information about that victim’s medical condition.

Two girls disclosed years of sexual abuse involving Stewart. Both boys reported witnessing that conduct inside the truck. They also described beatings after confronting Stewart and notifying Epps. Investigators accuse Epps of knowing about the abuse without stopping it.

Florida law requires people to report suspected child abuse under certain circumstances. Prosecutors claim Epps failed to fulfill that obligation. Stewart admitted three sexual batteries against one girl during a post-Miranda interview. Her admissions included an offense that occurred in Orlando.

During Tuesday’s conference, Uthmeier reported that tips led authorities toward the case. He placed the investigation’s beginning approximately three to four weeks earlier. Officials have not identified who provided that information. Authorities also withheld how investigators located the truck or removed the children.

Prosecutors outline 22 criminal charges

Stewart faces 10 criminal counts. Two charge sexual battery by someone holding familial or custodial authority. Another pair accuses her of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12. Two additional counts concern battery through expelling certain fluids or materials.

Four neglect charges complete Stewart’s case. Two involve child neglect without great bodily harm. The remaining pair concerns permanent disfigurement. Prosecutors connected those accusations to the children’s injuries and living conditions.

Epps faces 12 criminal counts. Two charge sexual battery by someone holding familial or custodial authority. Another pair accuses her of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12. Four neglect charges address bodily harm and permanent disfigurement.

Prosecutors also charged Epps with four failures to report child abuse. Investigators contend she knew about Stewart’s actions. Authorities claim Epps neither intervened nor contacted law enforcement. Florida prosecutors included those omissions within the Orange County filing.

“These children were trapped in a rolling prison,” Uthmeier stated within the written announcement. He pledged to pursue the maximum punishment available under Florida law. During Tuesday’s conference, Uthmeier announced plans to seek the death penalty if legally permitted. “Florida has zero tolerance for anyone who preys on children,” he added.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass called children “our greatest hopes” and “our most sacred responsibility.” Glass promised accountability for anyone harming a child within Florida. Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon called protecting children nonnegotiable. He urged anyone noticing danger to contact law enforcement immediately.

Investigation remains open

Special Counsels Rita Peters, Stephanie Bergen, and Beth Shelley will handle the prosecution. The case will proceed within Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit. Authorities continue investigating and may file additional charges. Officials have not announced the next scheduled hearing date.

The children now receive physical and emotional treatment, according to Tuesday’s live conference. Uthmeier warned that their recovery could take considerable time. Authorities have not disclosed their present location or specific conditions. Officials also withheld information about their relationships to Stewart or Epps.

Why It Matters

Transportation professionals should recognize how commercial equipment can conceal criminal conduct across multiple jurisdictions. Careful observation and immediate reporting may help authorities identify endangered passengers sooner.

Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.

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