Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joined law enforcement in Kissimmee on Tuesday to announce the rescue of four children and the arrest of two child predators.
The victims — two boys and two girls ranging in age from 5 to 9 — lived in the cab of a semi-truck for six years, where they were sexually abused, malnourished and forced to use the bathroom in cups and paper bags, said Uthmeier.
“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.”
Tamra Marshon Stewart, 37, of Jacksonville, and Keysha Monique Epps, 51, of Atlanta, Georgia, each face multiple counts of sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 and child neglect. Uthmeier said his office will seek the death penalty.
Uthmeier said the investigation began three to four weeks ago after a tip led authorities to the children. All four are safe and receiving treatment, though Uthmeier noted they face a long road to recovery.