Two inmates at the St. Johns County jail in Florida hatched a bold plan to escape using a drone. The inmates, Joseph Silcott, 20, and Joseph Izzi, 38, intended to use the drone to deliver a saw blade, cellphone, and narcotics to aid in their escape. However, their plan was foiled when they argued, and one of the inmates revealed the plot to deputies last month.
Investigation and Charges
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and found that the inmates had planned to break the toilet and sink off the wall to create an exit hole. They also intended to use a crude caulk made from toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste to conceal the damage. Silcott and Izzi were already being held without bail on earlier charges, including armed robbery and human trafficking.
New charges were filed against both inmates for plotting the escape, including attempted escape, conspiracy to commit escape, and possession of contraband. The Sheriff’s Office is still investigating and expects to file more charges. Sheriff Rob Hardwick stated that the agency takes escape attempts seriously and will hold everyone involved accountable.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and security measures in correctional facilities. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has had relatively few escapes or attempts in recent years, with the most notable incident being a 1997 escape where three inmates kicked open a fire door and scaled a barbed wire fence.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.