Former Nevada politician gets life for journalist’s murder

A former Nevada politician has received a life sentence after being convicted of murdering journalist Jeff German in September 2022. Robert Telles, the former Clark County public administrator, was found guilty on Wednesday and will be eligible for parole after serving at least 20 years.

During the reading of the guilty verdict, Telles looked down and shook his head. Clark County District Attorney Steven Wolfson expressed gratitude to the jury at a press conference, emphasising the verdict sends a clear message against silencing or intimidating journalists.

Prosecutors argued that Telles, aged 47, killed the Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter following German’s exposé on corruption within Telles’ office, which allegedly ruined both his career as a Nevada politician as well as his marriage. German’s report highlighted a hostile work environment, including bullying, retaliation, and an inappropriate relationship between Telles and a staff member, all of which Telles denied.

Telles was apprehended days after German was discovered outside his Las Vegas home. Authorities cited DNA evidence from Telles’ home linking him to the crime scene, and surveillance footage showed the suspect wearing a straw hat and sneakers later found cut up in Telles’ residence. German’s DNA was also found on Telles’ hands and fingernails.

Despite pleading not guilty to murder, Telles testified on August 21, maintaining his innocence and alleging he was framed by a real estate company he was investigating for bribery. Compass Realty owner Takumba Britt denied these claims, describing Telles as a desperate man trying to avoid accountability for German’s murder.

Wolfson dismissed Telles’ conspiracy theories, stating, “The only conspiracy was between him and his evil mind.” When arrested, Telles had self-inflicted stab wounds, which his defence attorney, Robert Draskovich, attributed to his life falling apart, not guilt.

Draskovich supported the Nevada politician’s conspiracy claims, suggesting that other individuals, upset by Telles’ anti-corruption efforts or German’s investigative work, had more motive to frame him.

German’s siblings spoke in court, recalling their brother as a “wonderful” uncle, “fearless” journalist, and football and sitcom enthusiast. His sister, Jill Zwerg, emotionally remembered him as a father figure who celebrated her engagement by buying champagne for an entire bar.

Telles’ wife and ex-wife also addressed the jury, pleading for a sentence with the possibility of parole. His mother, Rosalinda Anaya, asked for leniency so Telles could one day reunite with his young family.

Draskovich urged the jury to avoid a life sentence without parole, arguing for the possibility of Telles’ reintegration into his children’s lives. Prosecutors, however, insisted on a life sentence, stating Telles acted as “judge, jury, and executioner” because he was unhappy with the media’s portrayal of him.

Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Hamner underscored the devastation caused by Telles’ actions, noting the loss of an election did not justify murder.

Jeff German was the only journalist killed in the United States in 2022, with 67 journalists killed globally, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Las Vegas Sheriff Joseph Lombardo described the case as “unusual” and stressed the importance of protecting journalists as government watchdogs.

Las Vegas Review-Journal executive editor Glenn Cook called the verdict “a measure of justice” for German and other slain journalists. Cook praised German’s work in holding public officials accountable and criticised Telles for choosing a path of premeditated revenge. Cook also highlighted the personal loss felt by German’s family and friends, stating his murder remains an outrage and he is deeply missed.