Ex-Deputy In Shackles

Bill Jensen, 46, hid his face behind a file folder as he was led to the courtroom.

Once inside, the 20-year King County deputy didn't want anyone to know he was in chains. His attorneys asked that reporters not be allowed to show it, but the judge disagreed.

Prosecutors say while Jensen was in jail on other charges, he met with another inmate during short leaves from his cell and agreed to pay the man $150,000 to have his wife, her sister, and his own daughter murdered. His daughter was scheduled to testify against Jensen in his upcoming domestic violence trial.

The accusations stun his former colleagues.

"[I'm] surprised that any cop would do something like this. It's pretty shocking," said Kevin Fagerstrom of the King County Sheriff's Department.

In court today, Jensen was appearing in connection with earlier charges that he threatened his wife and her divorce lawyer.

If convicted of those counts, he could get up to a year in jail.

Jensen's attorneys are worried about publicity in the case, indicating they may try to get a change of venue

"You all are standing here; it's tainting the jury pool. So that's our concern," said Catherine McDonald, Jensen's defense attorney.

Jensen again tried to shield his face as he left the court, and wouldn't answer any questions.