Robert Telles, a former Nevada politician, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of Las Vegas investigative journalist Jeff German.
According to NBC News, Telles will be eligible for parole after serving at least 20 years of his sentence. The verdict came after a jury found Telles guilty of first-degree murder following two days of deliberations.
The case stemmed from a series of unflattering articles German had written about Telles' time as Clark County public administrator. These reports, which included allegations of bullying and favoritism in Telles' office and claims of a romantic relationship with a female employee, led to Telles losing his bid for re-election in a primary earlier in 2022.
Deputy District Attorney Christopher Hamner emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime during the sentencing, stating that Telles had appointed himself "judge, jury and literally the executioner" of German. The prosecution presented evidence, including security footage showing a person in bright orange clothing and a straw hat entering German's property before the attack.
Investigators later found partly destroyed shoes and cut-up pieces of a straw hat at Telles' home that matched the suspect's attire. Additionally, DNA evidence linked Telles to the crime scene, with prosecutors claiming his DNA was found under German's fingernails.
The prosecution also highlighted a text message from Telles' wife asking about his whereabouts at the time the security footage showed a maroon SUV, similar to a Telles family vehicle, in German's neighborhood.
During the trial, Telles took the stand in his own defense, proclaiming his innocence and suggesting that he had been framed. He named several colleagues, real estate agents, and business owners whom he claimed had conspired against him in retaliation for his efforts to address corruption during his time as public administrator.
Telles stated:
You know, the idea that Mr. German's throat was slashed and his heart was stabbed. ... I am not the kind of person who would stab someone. I didn't kill Mr. German. And that's my testimony.
However, Telles was unable to provide a coherent explanation for how the alleged conspirators could have planted key pieces of evidence in his home.
The jury ultimately found Telles guilty of first-degree murder, with additional sentencing enhancements for using a deadly weapon and committing the crime against an elderly person. While prosecutors did not seek the death penalty, Telles faced the possibility of life without parole.
Telles' attorney, Robert Draskovich, appealed for mercy during sentencing, arguing that any sentence would involve a long period in prison. However, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson dismissed Telles' claims of being framed as "ludicrous," stating that the only conspiracy was between Telles and "his evil mind."
The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for press freedom and the safety of journalists. German's murder has been seen as a direct attack on investigative reporting and the role of the media in holding public officials accountable.
In conclusion, Robert Telles' life sentence for the murder of Jeff German marks the end of a high-profile case that shocked the Las Vegas community. The verdict underscores the serious consequences of violence against journalists and the importance of protecting press freedom. Telles' conviction serves as a reminder of the risks investigative reporters face in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
