On October 16, former Clark County official Robert Telles was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the murder of prominent investigative journalist Jeff German, a term eight years longer than the 20 years recommended by the jury. This decision was reached by the Nevada Clark County District Court after the jury found Telles guilty on August 28.
Jeff German, a seasoned reporter, had covered numerous scandals during Telles’ two-year tenure in office, including allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member, which prosecutors suggested incited Telles to commit murder.
Judge Michelle Leavitt described Telles’ actions as particularly egregious, citing the use of a deadly weapon and the premeditated nature of the crime against a victim over 60 years old—German was 69 at the time of his death.
Prosecutor Steve Wolfson stated that the 28-year sentence signifies a victory for justice in the community. “The judge couldn’t have imposed a harsher sentence; she delivered the maximum allowed for his first-degree murder conviction.”
During the trial, 47-year-old Telles denied stabbing German in September 2022, but evidence, including DNA found under the victim’s fingernails, strongly implicated him.
Telles, a Democrat, previously served as the director of the Clark County Office of Alternative Assets and Probate, a position elected by voters. His prospects for reelection turned bleak following a series of damaging reports in May and June of 2022. He was arrested without bail just days after German’s murder.
Pamela Weckerly, the prosecutor in the case, emphasized that Telles murdered German due to dissatisfaction with the reporting about him. “This kind of violence, this political violence, is unacceptable to anyone and poses a significant threat to society.”
Before sentencing, Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, requested a lighter sentence and indicated plans to appeal. However, following the sentencing on the 16th, Draskovich announced he would no longer represent Telles.
After exiting the courtroom, Draskovich remarked, “This verdict isn’t surprising. We’ve done our part in defending him, and things have gone as expected. Telles maintains his right to appeal.”
