Robert Telles Found Guilty in Murder of RJ Reporter Jeff German: Case Details and Verdict Explained
A jury has delivered a guilty verdict in the case of Robert Telles, who was accused of first-degree murder in the killing of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German nearly two years ago. The jury determined that Telles will spend life in prison with the possibility of parole for the crime. The verdict was met with emotional reactions from those involved in the case, including Clark County Public Administrator Rita Reid, who expressed relief and overwhelming emotions after the decision was announced in a crowded courtroom.
Jury Deliberations and Verdict
The panel of seven women and five men deliberated for nearly 12 hours over three days before reaching the guilty verdict. Following the murder of Jeff German in September 2022, the jury heard testimony from dozens of witnesses, including detectives, forensic experts, and individuals who knew Telles. Telles himself took the stand during the trial, providing a narrative testimony to the jury before facing cross-examination by prosecutors.
After the guilty verdict was announced, Telles stood with a lowered head in the courtroom. The prosecutor, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, emphasized that the verdict should send a clear message that any attempts to silence or intimidate journalists will not be tolerated. The jury then deliberated for just over an hour to determine Telles’ sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole in 20 years.
Reaction and Impact
The outcome of the trial was met with mixed emotions from those closely involved in the case. Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, noting that it allows Telles the chance to be released from prison in the future. In the newsroom of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Executive Editor Glenn Cook gathered staff to watch live coverage of the trial and offered words of comfort and support following the verdict.
The trial and subsequent verdict brought a sense of closure for many, including veteran criminal defense attorney Tom Pitaro, who had a long-standing relationship with Jeff German. Pitaro acknowledged the fairness of the trial and the overwhelming evidence presented against Telles. He reflected on German’s dedication to his work and the impact of his loss on the community, highlighting German’s tenacity and commitment to uncovering the truth in his reporting.
Prominent local defense attorney David Chesnoff, who had known German for almost 45 years, echoed sentiments of justice being served in the case. Chesnoff emphasized German’s courage and dedication to his craft, underscoring the tragic nature of his untimely death. Prosecutors maintained that Telles’ motive for the murder stemmed from German’s investigative articles on Telles’ conduct as an elected official, including allegations of misconduct and an inappropriate relationship with a staffer.
The Case Against Telles
Prosecutors detailed Telles’ attempts to disguise himself before the attack on German, citing surveillance footage and DNA evidence linking Telles to the crime scene. Telles admitted during the trial that he had engaged in an affair with a county employee, Roberta Lee-Kennett, and had feared German’s reporting would damage his reputation and career prospects as a lawyer in Las Vegas. The state’s evidence against Telles included his DNA found underneath German’s fingernails, surveillance footage of his vehicle near the crime scene, and items matching the assailant’s clothing found at Telles’ home.
Former Clark County District Attorney David Roger, a close friend of German, described Telles as a “cold-blooded killer” and expressed relief at the guilty verdict. Roger reflected on German’s unwavering commitment to investigative journalism and his relentless pursuit of the truth in his reporting. Telles’ claims of being framed for the murder by officials and a real estate company were dismissed by prosecutors, who labeled his conspiracy theories as baseless and unfounded.
The trial not only brought justice for Jeff German and his family but also served as a reminder of the importance of press freedom and the risks journalists face in their pursuit of truth. The community mourned the loss of a dedicated reporter and cherished individual, whose legacy continues to inspire others in the field of journalism.
As the case against Robert Telles comes to a close with a guilty verdict, the memory of Jeff German lives on through the impact of his work and the values he stood for in his reporting. The pursuit of justice in his murder serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who seek to uphold the principles of truth and accountability in society.