Ex-Democrat Official Robert Telles Hit with 8-Year Sentence for Shocking Murder of Las Vegas Journalist

By
Conservative Research Group
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Robert Telles, a Democrat who was formerly a Clark County, Nevada administrator and convicted of the murder of Las Vegas Review-Journal journalist Jeff German, now faces an eight-year extension of his prison sentence before he is eligible for parole. Judge Michelle Leavitt presided Wednesday over Telles’ sentencing, a case that we have extensively covered.

 

Telles was convicted of first-degree homicide in August and sentenced to a life term with parole eligibility after 20 years. The judge increased the sentence by eight years due to several enhancements. The aggravating factors were German’s age of over 60, the use of a deadly weapon, and “lying-in-wait.”

 

The evidence presented at the trial showed that Telles premeditated his attack, disguised himself, and lured German out of his house before fatally stabbing the victim. Telles was linked to the crime by DNA evidence in his home. A straw hat, sneakers, and other items that matched what German wore in the security camera footage of the attack were also found.

 

Telles’ case was a media circus at every turn, despite the tragic tragedy of an elected local official killing a veteran investigative reporter. At his arraignment, he was infamous for smiling and wearing bandages to cover his self-inflicted wounds sustained in a police standoff.

 

 

Telles, who was denied bail and refused to step down from his position as public administrator after being denied bail in October 2022, was stripped of the public office he held. Telles, a lawyer, represented himself in the pretrial hearings and then took the stand to defend his client during the trial. Telles, a lawyer, claimed innocence over three days of testimony but could not explain the evidence against him. This included his DNA under German’s nails.

 

The defense argued that the murder of German was part of a conspiracy by police and political rivals to eliminate Telles. This, even though he had lost his primary election for reelection when the attack occurred. Telles, despite his conviction, has always maintained his innocence. He reiterated his belief that the wrong person was accused and convicted on Wednesday.

 

 

Telles stated that:

 

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 said to the court:

 

We lost a father, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a friend and a leader. Even though it has been over two years, we are still in shock. It will be a long road to recovery.

 

Telles is eligible for parole after 26 years. If he is denied parole, he may be sentenced to life in prison. He was also ordered to pay $23,347.71 to German’s parents in restitution. Telles’ lawyer, Robert Draskovich, filed a withdrawal motion from the case. He will no longer represent him in the appellate process.

 

 

The case left a lasting impression on the Las Vegas Community, and Jeff German will be remembered as an investigative journalist who was committed to the free press and the need for government accountability.