ST. JOHNS COUNTY — Joseph Silcott, 20, and Joseph Izzi, 38, were arrested on June 22, 2026, after corrections detectives filed new charges against them on June 3. Both individuals were charged with attempted escape and conspiracy to commit escape from the St. Johns County Detention Center.

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office stated that the inmates planned their escape, which involved using a drone to deliver contraband. The investigation began on May 16, 2026, after Izzi informed staff that his cellmate had a weapon and had threatened him. Deputies subsequently searched the cell and found six metal objects, two of which had sharpened edges. They also discovered damage to the cell's sink and toilet apparatus, as well as a broken cell window that created an outdoor opening.

Investigators alleged the pair planned to create a hole in the cell wall after removing the toilet and sink. They intended to use the broken window to receive contraband dropped by drone. Recorded phone calls included a request for "a sawblade, a 'finger phone' and narcotics" to be flown through the window, the sheriff's office said. Joseph Izzi provided a post-Miranda confession detailing the escape plan and the intended contraband drop.

Surveillance footage showed both inmates damaging the toilet and breaking the window. The footage also captured the inmates sweeping up and flushing glass to conceal their actions. Investigators said the inmates used a mixture of toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste to create a caulking substance designed to hide the damage. During the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance video, recorded inmate phone calls, and interviewed witnesses.

Silcott was charged with aggravated assault in a county jail, false imprisonment, attempted escape, conspiracy to commit escape, criminal mischief valued at $1,000 or more, 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 faced charges of attempted escape, conspiracy to commit escape, two counts of possession of contraband for escape in a county detention facility, criminal mischief valued at $1,000 or more, tampering with physical evidence, and giving false information to law enforcement.

Silcott allegedly threatened Izzi with a homemade edged weapon and stole his canteen items after learning of Izzi's prior charges, which prompted Izzi to report the weapons to staff. Both inmates were housed in the same cell on multiple felony charges and had no bond. An investigation into outside accomplices remains active.

Sheriff Rob Hardwick stated, "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."