I know that it is probably relationship related to what she has hanging over his head but what if it is business related, something that he could actually get in trouble for and go to jail over? Of course it could be both also. Its a thought, but then again maybe I watch Law and Order too much.
Eta: If I were in that kind of situation (thank God I am not and never will be ewww) I would take my lumps from my significant other and rebuild my life with or without them to get the monkey off my back, but that is just me.