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.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC News reports that Robert Telles, a former Nevada official, has been found guilty of murdering Las Vegas journalist Jeff German, a case motivated by German’s critical reporting on Telles’ office conduct. (read more)
- Politico reports that a former Democratic politician, Robert Telles, is sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of Las Vegas reporter Jeff German. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was sentenced for killing journalist Jeff German?
Former Clark County public administrator Robert Telles.
Why did Robert Telles kill Jeff German?
Prosecutors said Telles killed German after the journalist exposed corruption in his office.
What was Robert Telles’ sentence?
Telles was sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole after 20 years.
What evidence tied Robert Telles to the crime?
DNA evidence and surveillance footage linked Telles to the crime scene.
What message did Clark County District Attorney Steven Wolfson say the verdict sends?
Any attempts to silence or intimidate journalists will not be tolerated.