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Deputy Says He Helped Felon Escape Over Threats

DENVER (AP/CBS4) — A Denver sheriff's deputy reportedly told co-workers that he helped a felon escape the downtown jail because he had been threatened and told there was a contract out on him and his family.

Deputy Matthew Andrews faces felony charges that he aided in Sunday night's escape of Felix Trujillo, who spent three days on the run after walking out of the jail in a sheriff's deputy's baseball cap and jacket.

Trujillo surrendered Wednesday after police received a call from a third party who said Trujillo wanted to turn himself in. Police arrested him without incident. Trujillo was in court Thursday morning but remains in custody on $100,000 bond.

The court records show Trujillo faces escape and kidnapping charges.

On Wednesday, police said Marilyn Reeves, 47, also had been arrested on charges of aiding an escape. They didn't discuss her ties to Trujillo, who was awaiting sentencing on aggravated robbery charges when he fled.

Marilyn Annette Reeves
Marilyn Annette Reeves (credit: Denver Police)

Police Cmdr. Ron Saunier said Wednesday there could be more arrests as police investigate who helped Trujillo while he was at large.

According to the court records, Andrews said he received a phone call from an unknown person demanding he help Trujillo escape to spare himself and his family. After Andrews dropped Trujillo off, he returned to the jail, where he was found crying.

"To the extent that Deputy Andrews had any involvement in Felix Trujillo's escape, his actions were compelled by threats to his life or his family's life," Attorney Donald Sisson told The Denver Post.

Sheriff Department spokesman Maj. Frank Gale said investigators are still trying to determine whether others inside the jail were involved or violated policy. "The scope of the investigation is big," he said.

Undersheriff Gary Wilson has said the department is reviewing its policies and training to make sure such a situation doesn't occur again.

Andrews, a two-year-veteran of the agency who worked general security duties at the jail, is on paid leave.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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