Former Clark County public administrator Robert Telles was found guilty of murder on Wednesday by a Nevada jury, receiving a sentence of 20 years to life in prison for the 2022 killing of investigative journalist Jeff German. The jury’s decision came after nearly 12 hours of deliberation over three days.
A Shocking Verdict
Telles, a former Democratic politician, showed visible distress as the verdict was read in Clark County District Court, where he was convicted of ambushing and fatally stabbing German in the side yard of the journalist’s home. The crime was seen as a direct retaliation for a series of articles German wrote that were critical of Telles’ conduct in office.
The Impact of German’s Reporting
Jeff German, 69, was a well-known investigative reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, with a career spanning 44 years focused on exposing crime, corruption, and court issues. His articles on Telles, which revealed workplace misconduct and inappropriate relationships, were published in May and June of 2022 and ultimately led to Telles losing his bid for re-election.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson highlighted the gravity of the crime, stating, “German had a stellar reputation in this community. It’s a crying shame, literally and figuratively, that he’s no longer with us.”
Sentencing and Reactions
Telles did not speak during the sentencing but appeared near tears as character witnesses, including his wife, mother, and ex-wife, testified on his behalf. The defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, has announced plans to appeal the conviction.
Judge Michelle Leavitt, who presided over the trial, has the authority to invoke sentencing enhancements that could increase Telles’ time in prison to a minimum of 21 years and a maximum of 28 years, given that the killing involved a deadly weapon and was premeditated.
Jessica Coleman, a county employee who had urged German to investigate Telles’ conduct, expressed relief after the verdict, stating, “Finally the system is working.”
Evidence and Denials
The prosecution presented compelling evidence against Telles, including DNA found under German’s fingernails and surveillance footage of a maroon SUV, registered to Telles’ wife, near the crime scene. Despite this, Telles maintained his innocence, claiming he was framed as part of a conspiracy to silence him.
Prosecutors, however, argued that Telles blamed German for ruining his career and life, ultimately leading to the premeditated murder. The jury was also shown a timeline and videos that placed Telles near German’s home at the time of the murder.
