Former Las Vegas-area Democratic politician Robert Telles is facing sentencing for the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German, who had written critical stories about him. Telles is expected to speak at the sentencing hearing, where he will learn how long he will spend in prison before he is eligible for parole. German, a longtime reporter, was killed outside his home in 2022 by Telles, who was the elected administrator of a Clark County office at the time. Telles was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years to life, but the judge has the option to extend his minimum sentence to 28 years with sentencing enhancements.
German’s critical reporting on Telles’ office was said to have contributed to Telles losing his bid for re-election. Telles was accused of fostering a hostile work environment and carrying on an inappropriate relationship with a staffer that harmed the office’s ability to carry out its duties. Prosecutor Christopher Hamner argued during the trial that Telles killed German because he wasn’t done writing stories that were damaging to Telles’ career and reputation. Telles denied the allegations and claimed he was being framed as part of a conspiracy involving various parties, but evidence, including his DNA found under German’s fingernails, pointed to his guilt.
During the trial, it was revealed that Telles had hundreds of photos of German’s home and neighborhood, indicating that he had been monitoring the journalist. Telles testified for hours, admitting to the office romance but denying any involvement in German’s murder. However, Judge Michelle Leavitt has the authority to add several years to Telles’ sentence for using a deadly weapon, the victim’s age, and lying in wait before the attack. Telles’ attorney has stated that he intends to appeal the conviction.
The case has garnered significant media attention, as it involves the murder of a respected journalist by a former politician. German had spent decades covering crime, courts, and corruption in Las Vegas, making his death a significant loss to the journalism community. Telles’ actions were seen as an attempt to silence German and prevent him from continuing his investigative reporting that threatened Telles’ career and personal life. The sentencing hearing will be a crucial moment in determining the length of Telles’ sentence and whether justice will be served for the murder of Jeff German.
The impact of German’s death and Telles’ conviction have reverberated throughout the Las Vegas community, with many calling for justice for the slain journalist. The trial revealed the complexities of Telles’ motivations and the extent to which he was willing to go to protect his reputation and career. The sentencing decision will bring a sense of closure to German’s family and colleagues, as they await justice for the loss of a dedicated journalist who was killed in the line of duty. Telles’ appeal will likely prolong the legal proceedings, but the outcome will be a pivotal moment in the quest for accountability in this high-profile case.
