Robert Telles, the former Clark County public administrator convicted of the murder of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German, is facing the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars. However, there is a possibility of parole for the 47-year-old, and District Judge Michelle Leavitt has the authority to impose sentencing enhancements that could extend his incarceration even further. Telles is scheduled to appear in court on October 16 for his sentencing hearing.
The jury found Telles guilty of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon against a victim aged 60 or older for the killing of German, who had written articles critical of Telles’ actions while in office. As a result, Telles has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.
Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, explained that the best-case scenario for Telles would be eligibility for parole after 21 years, taking into account the two years he has already spent in custody since his arrest in September 2022. Every day served in the Clark County Detention Center contributes towards his ultimate sentence.
Sentencing enhancements, which can add additional years to a defendant’s prison term, can range from one to 20 years under Nevada law. In Telles’ case, the bottom number of his sentence will determine when he becomes eligible for parole, with the judge having the discretion to set this anywhere between one to eight years. This means Telles could potentially be considered for parole in 19 to 26 years, factoring in his time served.
While the top number of an enhancement does not change the maximum sentence of life in prison, Telles faces two additional penalties: a deadly weapon enhancement and an enhancement for the victim’s age. However, only one of these enhancements can contribute additional time to his sentence, as stacking penalties is not permitted under Nevada law.
Inmates in Nevada have the opportunity to earn credits through education and good behavior, which can reduce their time in prison before parole eligibility. However, inmates convicted of category A felonies like first-degree murder are ineligible to earn credits. Despite this, a future parole board will consider various factors when deciding on Telles’ release, including his conduct in prison, criminal history, participation in programming, statements from the victim’s family, and expressions of remorse.
During the trial, Telles maintained his innocence and claimed he was framed for German’s murder. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including Telles’ DNA under German’s fingernails, phone data showing images of German’s home, and items matching those worn by the assailant found at Telles’ residence. Despite these findings, Telles denied any involvement in the crime.
Following his conviction, Telles expressed his intention to appeal the case, particularly focusing on search warrants issued during the investigation. His attorney, Robert Draskovich, indicated that an appellate attorney would handle the appeal process, emphasizing Telles’ determination to continue fighting the charges against him.
The Clark County public administrator’s office employees, who had interactions with German for his articles, expressed concerns about Telles potentially being released from prison in the future. They emphasized the impact his actions had on their lives and the importance of ensuring justice is served.
As the legal process unfolds, Telles’ fate remains uncertain. The parole board will ultimately determine if and when he will be released, taking into account all relevant factors. Despite the challenges ahead, the pursuit of justice for Jeff German and his loved ones continues as the community awaits the final verdict on Robert Telles’ fate.