Robert Telles, former Clark County Public Administrator, has been sentenced to life in a Nevada Department of Corrections facility, with the possibility of parole after 20 years, following a decisive court ruling on Wednesday evening.
Earlier in the day, Telles, aged 47, was found guilty of murdering investigative reporter Jeff German in 2022. German, a seasoned journalist known for his critical articles on Telles’ professional behavior, was fatally stabbed in an incident that shocked the community. Despite pleading not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon against a victim aged 60 or older, Telles could not overturn the overwhelming evidence against him.
A jury composed of seven women and five men deliberated for 12 hours before reaching their verdict at noon, concluding eight days of compelling testimony from the prosecution. In an unconventional move, Telles took the stand in his own defense for three days, choosing to narrate his testimony—a rare legal tactic typically employed when defense attorneys believe the testimony might be fabricated.
Telles claimed that he was framed, alleging that Compass Reality, a company he had previously investigated for corruption, orchestrated German’s murder. He suggested that this was an attempt to halt his probes into the company’s activities, despite German being murdered after Telles had been ousted from office.
Crucial evidence included Telles’ DNA found beneath German’s fingernails and a pivotal text from Telles’ wife, sent from her Apple Watch at 10:30 a.m. on September 2, 2022, virtually the same time a maroon SUV, resembling Telles’ vehicle, was seen near German’s house. Security footage depicted a man in an orange outfit and straw hat, whom Telles identified as the killer, driving the SUV.
Acknowledging ownership of his phone, Telles admitted he could have deleted the incriminating text message but did not confess to doing so.
In response to the verdict, Glenn Cook, executive editor of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, where German worked at the time of his murder, issued a poignant statement. Cook expressed hope that the jury’s decision would bring solace to German’s family, friends, and colleagues. He lauded German’s integrity and dedication to holding public officials accountable, condemning Telles for his “premeditated revenge killing.” Cook reflected on the broader implications for the journalism community, acknowledging the dangers journalists face globally and highlighting the importance of the conviction achieved in Las Vegas.
Cook emphasized the community’s loss, describing German as a beloved family member and friend whose absence is deeply felt. He concluded by honoring German’s legacy and the principles he stood for, underscoring that his murder remains an outrage.
