Bradley County deputies: Inmate tried to burn his way out of jail, given 55 new charges

Candles, makeshift rope, and a cable clamp - these are some of the items deputies say a Bradley County Jail inmate had in his cell during an attempted escape.

On Friday, November 23rd, Bradley County deputies came to the cell of Nathan Maddux.

According to the sheriff's office report, deputies found a pen-sized hole in the lower left corner of the cell's recently replaced window, a melted substance around it.

They discovered two makeshift candles hidden behind a trash can.

A pair of jail-issued uniform pants that had been ripped into shorts, rope-like items made from torn sheets, and a metal cable clamp were also found around the cell.

All were confiscated and photographed for evidence.

Maddux faces 53 charges of aggravated arson. The sheriff's office says at the time, there were 52 inmates and a deputy in the pod.

He also has been charged with vandalism over $1,000 and attempted escape.