Former Las Vegas-area Democratic politician Robert Telles, convicted of killing investigative journalist Jeff German, is awaiting sentencing to determine how long he will spend in prison before being eligible for parole. Telles ambushed and killed German outside his home during Labor Day weekend in 2022. German, a respected journalist who spent 44 years covering crime, courts, and corruption in Las Vegas, had written critical stories about Telles’ administration at the Clark County Public Administrator/Guardian office. Telles, who lost his primary for a second term after German’s stories described turmoil in the office, could face up to 28 years before being eligible for parole, in addition to his 20 years to life sentence.
During closing arguments of the murder trial, prosecutor Christopher Hamner stated that Telles killed German because the journalist wasn’t finished exposing corruption within his administration. Telles, in his testimony during the trial, admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, as reported by German. Telles denied killing German, claiming he was framed by a conspiracy involving various parties. However, evidence presented at the trial included Telles’ DNA being found beneath German’s fingernails. Additionally, the jury was informed that Telles had collected hundreds of photos of German’s home and neighborhood, indicating a premeditated act.
Telles’ attorney, Robert Draskovich, has stated that Telles intends to appeal his conviction. The jury in August set Telles’ minimum sentence at 20 years to life, with the possibility of Judge Michelle Leavitt adding up to eight years for using a deadly weapon, intentionally targeting an older person, and lying in wait. Telles, 47, was an elected administrator at the time of German’s death at the Clark County Public Administrator/Guardian office, where German’s critical stories had caused turmoil and led to Telles losing his re-election bid.
German’s reporting on the chaotic state of the Clark County office and Telles’ inappropriate relationship with a staffer led to his death, according to the prosecution at Telles’ trial. Telles’ defense was undermined by his own testimony, where he admitted to the details of the reported relationship but denied involvement in German’s murder. The prosecutor argued that Telles was driven to kill German because the journalist’s work had destroyed Telles’ career, damaged his reputation, and threatened his marriage. Telles faces a lengthy prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole, acknowledging the impact of his actions on his victim and the community.
In conclusion, Robert Telles, a former Democratic politician, awaits sentencing for the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German, who exposed corruption within Telles’ public administrator office. Telles, convicted after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, denied involvement in German’s death. The prosecution argued that Telles killed German to prevent further revelations about his corruption and misconduct. Telles could face a significant prison term before eligibility for parole, with potential additional years added by the judge due to the nature of the murder. Telles intends to appeal his conviction, maintaining his innocence despite the evidence against him.
