Robert Telles, the Democrat ex-Clark County, Nevada public administrator convicted of murdering Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German, will now face an extended prison term of eight more years before he can apply for parole. On Wednesday, Judge Michelle Leavitt presided over Telles’ sentencing hearing, in a high-profile case that RedState has reported on since September 2022.
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In August, Telles was found guilty of first-degree murder and was initially sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years. Due to several enhancements, the judge added eight years to that term, the maximum sentence. These aggravating factors included German being over the age of 60, the use of a deadly weapon, and “lying in wait.”
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Telles had premeditated the attack, wore a disguise, and lured German outside his home before fatally stabbing him. DNA evidence found in Telles’ home tied him to the crime scene, and a straw hat and sneakers matching what the suspect was seen wearing in security camera footage were found cut up in his home.
Aside from the jarring tragedy of a sitting local public official murdering a veteran investigative journalist, Telles made the case a media spectacle at every turn. He appeared at his arraignment hearing notoriously smiling in the courtroom and with bandages on his arms from self-inflicted injuries sustained during a police standoff.
Clark County administrator Robert Telles, accused of murdering Vegas reporter Jeff German, just showed up in court smiling pic.twitter.com/RsOtb044Af
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) September 13, 2022
After being denied bail, Telles refused to step down as public administrator and was stripped of his public office in October 2022. Telles, an attorney, self-represented in pretrial hearings before taking the stand in his defense during the trial. Over three days of testimony, Telles claimed innocence but couldn’t explain the damning evidence against him including his DNA found under German’s fingernails.
The defense relied on a theory that German’s murder was a conspiracy carried out by the police and political opponents as a means to get rid of Telles, although he had already lost a primary for re-election at the time of the fatal attack. Despite his conviction, Telles has consistently claimed his innocence. Wednesday, he reiterated that he believes the wrong person has been accused and convicted.
Telles stated:
I understand the desire for justice, but I did not kill Mr. German and unfortunately, the people who should be brought to justice…the chances of that happening now are slim to none.
Before Judge Levett made her ruling, prosecutors and Telles’ attorney, Robert Draskovich, addressed the court, along with German’s brother, Jay, who spoke about the devastating impact on their family.
Jay German told the court:
We lost a brother, an uncle, a friend, a leader. We’re still in shock, and it’s been two years. Recovery from this will take a long time.
Telles has already served two years in prison and could be eligible for parole in 26 years. If denied, he could remain in prison for life. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay $23,347.71 in restitution to German’s family. Telles’ attorney, Robert Draskovich filed a motion to withdraw from the case and will not be representing him in the appeals process
The judge sentences Telles to life in prison with possibility of parole after minimum of 28 years served.@KTNV
— Jaewon Jung (@jaewonnews) October 16, 2024
The case has left a lasting impact on the Las Vegas community, and Jeff German is remembered as a dedicated investigative journalist and a symbol of the importance of a free press and government accountability.
