Robert Telles, a former Democratic elected official in the Las Vegas area, has been sentenced to at least 28 years in Nevada state prison for the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German. German, a respected reporter who had spent 44 years covering crime, courts, and corruption in Las Vegas, was 69 years old at the time of his death. Telles was found guilty of murder by a jury after evidence, including his DNA found beneath German’s fingernails, pointed to his involvement in the crime.
German’s critical articles about Telles’ conduct in office and his exposure of an intimate relationship with a female coworker led to Telles losing his primary for a second term in office. The stories described turmoil and bullying at the Clark County Public Administrator/Guardian office, where Telles was an elected administrator. Following his arrest, Telles’ law license was suspended, and he has been in jail without bail since then.
During the sentencing, Telles maintained his innocence and expressed condolences to German’s family. He testified in his defense, denying the stabbing of German, but the evidence presented against him was compelling, leading to his conviction. Telles intends to appeal the decision, according to his defense attorney.
Prosecutors presented footage of a person wearing a disguise similar to the one seen on neighborhood security video where German was attacked. The disguise pieces were found at Telles’ house, along with a maroon SUV. Telles testified that he was framed and denied any involvement in German’s murder, attributing the accusations to a conspiracy against him.
The sentencing judge imposed additional years to Telles’ minimum 20-year sentence due to the use of a deadly weapon, lying in wait, and German’s age. District Attorney Steve Wolfson expressed confidence that Telles’ sentence would keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, as he showed no remorse or acceptance of responsibility for the crime.
German’s tragic death marked the only journalist killed in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. The conviction of Telles sends a strong message that violence against journalists will not be tolerated, as stated by the organization’s program coordinator, Katherine Jacobsen.
The case highlights the risks journalists face in their line of work and the importance of upholding press freedom and safety. Telles’ conviction and sentencing bring a sense of justice to German’s family and the journalism community, emphasizing the consequences of silencing the truth through violence.
