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.

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.