2 FL Inmates Charged For Alleged Detention Center Escape Plan: Sheriff

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FL — Two inmates at the St. Johns County Detention Center are facing new charges after investigators said they uncovered an alleged escape plot involving damaged fixtures, sharpened metal objects and a planned contraband drop by drone.

Corrections detectives filed the new charges on June 3, and with help from the State Attorney’s Office, the inmates were officially arrested Monday on those charges, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

Joseph Silcott, 20, was charged with aggravated assault in a county jail or detention facility, false imprisonment, attempted escape, conspiracy to commit escape, criminal mischief of $1,000 or more, five counts of possession of contraband for escape in a county detention facility, and three counts of attempt to introduce contraband into a county detention facility.

Joseph Izzi, 38, was charged with attempted escape, conspiracy to commit escape, two counts of possession of contraband for escape in a county detention facility, criminal mischief of $1,000 or more, tampering with physical evidence, and false information to law enforcement.

Both men were already being held on multiple felony charges, and neither had a bond, the sheriff’s office said.

The investigation began after May 16, when Izzi told jail staff that Silcott had a weapon and had threatened him with it, deputies said.

The inmates were separated, and staff searched the cell, where investigators said they found numerous metal objects, including two with sharpened edges, damage to the sink and toilet, and a broken window with a clear opening to the outdoors.

Investigators found that both inmates had been working on an escape plan inside the cell. The men planned to create a hole in the wall after breaking away the sink and toilet apparatus.

The agency also said they broke out the glass window and flushed pieces of evidence, while the outer plastic window remained intact but broken on one end.

Silcott requested a sawblade, a finger phone and narcotics during a recorded phone call, with plans for the items to be flown through the open window by drone, the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives reviewed camera footage, phone calls and witness statements during their investigation.

Camera footage showed both inmates damaging the toilet, breaking the window, sweeping up glass and flushing it.

“An escape attempt is something our agency takes very seriously. We will not tolerate inmates attempting to plan an escape or those helping them. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are forthcoming. Everyone will be held accountable for their actions in St. Johns County,” Sheriff Rob Hardwick said.

The sheriff’s office said there is an active investigation into outside accomplices and no further information will be released at this time.

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