Deputy in prisoner escape says inmate threatened his life, family

The officer facing felony charges for the inmates escape says money was not a part of their agreement

April 10, 2013 05:16 AM

This photo provided by the Denver Police shows Felix Trujillo. The sheriff’s department in Denver says a deputy has been arrested on suspicion that he helped Trujillo.

Associated Press

DENVER — The attorney for a sheriff’s deputy accused of helping a felon escape the downtown Denver jail says the deputy and his family felt they were in danger.

Deputy Matthew Andrews faces felony charges that he aided in the Sunday night escape of Felix Trujillo, who remained at large Tuesday.

According to the Denver Post, attorney Donald Sisson says Andrews had been threatened and there was never an agreement to help Trujillo escape in exchange for money.

Sisson says that on Saturday, a driver pulled up next to Andrews, aimed a gun at him and said his family and his life would be in jeopardy unless he helped get Trujillo out of jail.

Denver police refused to comment on the case and reports have been sealed.