ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Two inmates at the St. Johns County Detention Center are facing a series of new felony charges after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as a detailed and premeditated escape plan involving homemade weapons, damaged jail infrastructure, and an alleged drone contraband delivery scheme.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Corrections Detectives filed charges on June 3, 2026, following an extensive investigation into the activities of inmates Joseph Silcott, 20, and Joseph Izzi, 38. Both men were formally arrested on the new charges June 22 with assistance from the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit.
Silcott was charged with Aggravated Assault in a County Jail or Detention Facility, False Imprisonment, Attempted Escape, Conspiracy to Commit Escape, Criminal Mischief exceeding $1,000, five counts of Possession of Contraband for Escape in a County Detention Facility, and three counts of Attempting to Introduce Contraband into a County Detention Facility.
Izzi was charged with Attempted Escape, Conspiracy to Commit Escape, two counts of Possession of Contraband for Escape in a County Detention Facility, Criminal Mischief exceeding $1,000, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Providing False Information to Law Enforcement.
Investigators said the case began on May 16 when Izzi alerted detention staff that his cellmate, Silcott, possessed a weapon and had threatened him with it. The inmates were immediately separated, questioned, and their shared cell was searched.
During the search, detectives discovered multiple metal objects, including two sharpened items capable of being used as weapons. Investigators also found significant damage inside the cell, including a sink and toilet that had been detached from the wall and a broken window that created an opening to the outside.
The investigation revealed that both inmates had allegedly been working together to carry out an escape plan. Detectives determined the pair intended to create an exit route through the cell wall after removing the toilet and sink assembly. Authorities said the inmates broke out the cell window and flushed pieces of glass down the toilet to conceal their actions.
According to investigators, the inmates used toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste to create a makeshift caulking material to hide the damage from jail staff.
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage, recorded phone calls, witness statements, and physical evidence collected from the cell. Investigators found six metal objects that had been removed from a window frame and a mop bucket and repurposed as weapons or escape tools.
Authorities also uncovered evidence suggesting the inmates planned to receive additional contraband through a drone delivery. Investigators said Silcott used a recorded jail phone call to request a saw blade, a cellular device, and narcotics be flown into the detention center through the damaged window opening. Detectives believe the saw blade was intended to help complete the escape route.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed both inmates participating in damaging the cell, breaking the window, cleaning up evidence, and flushing glass fragments. Witnesses housed in the same cell block also provided sworn statements describing the escape plot and the weapons kept inside the cell.
According to the sheriff’s office, Izzi later provided a post-Miranda confession detailing both his involvement and Silcott’s role in the escape plan, including information regarding the alleged drone delivery.
Investigators said the partnership between the two inmates eventually deteriorated after Silcott learned about Izzi’s pending criminal charges, which include human trafficking and child sex crime allegations. Authorities allege Silcott then threatened Izzi with a homemade edged weapon, ordered him to remain in his bunk, and stole several of his commissary items.
Detectives said Izzi’s decision to report the weapon out of fear ultimately led to the discovery of the broader escape conspiracy.
Before the new charges were filed, Silcott was being held on charges including Robbery with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Resisting. Izzi was being held on multiple felony charges, including Human Trafficking and Child Sex Crime offenses. Neither inmate was eligible for bond.
The sheriff’s office said investigators are continuing to examine the involvement of possible outside accomplices connected to the alleged drone contraband operation.
Sheriff Rob Hardwick said escape attempts and efforts to assist inmates in escaping will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.
The investigation remains active, and officials indicated that additional charges could be forthcoming.