MARYVILLE, Mo. - A Nodaway County man avoided a jury trial by pleading guilty Monday morning to the felony of conspiracy to have his wife killed.

Robert L. Dieker Jr., 33, pleaded to the felony of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, according to Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney David Baird. He appeared in court with his attorney, Janet Larison of Grant City. He originally pleaded not guilty.

The charge alleged that Mr. Dieker, with the purpose of promoting and facilitating first-degree murder, had agreed with other individuals to carry out the murder of his wife, Christina L. Dieker. He was arrested in August 2008 following a concentrated undercover investigation led by the Maryville Department of Public Safety. The Northwest Missouri Interagency Team Response Operation Task Force assisted.

Mr. Baird had further alleged that Mr. Dieker had delivered copies of a work schedule, provided a photograph and license number of Mrs. Dieker and made financial arrangements for the completion of the murder.

Nodaway County Circuit Judge Roger Prokes ordered a sentencing assessment report for the case and set Mr. Dieker's sentencing for Aug. 24.

A conviction for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder carries a maximum 15-year sentence in state prison, Mr. Baird said.

The Diekers are in the midst of divorce proceedings in Nodaway County Circuit Court. Five protection orders - four for children and one for adult abuse/stalking - were approved last year after the criminal case began.

Mr. Dieker was ordered in June to pay monthly child support in a case brought by the Nodaway County Children's Division.