Las Vegas lawmaker on trial for murder of investigative reporter Jeff German
The trial of Robert Telles, a former Clark County public administrator accused of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German, began this week in Las Vegas, drawing intense scrutiny from both the local community and the broader world of journalism. Jury selection commenced on Monday as Telles, 47, faces charges of open murder in connection with the death of German, 69, who was found slashed and stabbed outside his home on September 3, 2022.
Telles has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry the possibility of a life sentence if convicted. Prosecutors, however, are not seeking the death penalty.
The motive: Exposing corruption
Jeff German, a respected journalist with more than 40 years of experience, had written critical articles about Telles, highlighting turmoil and allegations of misconduct within the county office. These reports, which detailed claims of bullying, favoritism, and an inappropriate relationship involving Telles, are believed to have motivated the attack. Prosecutors allege that Telles, angered by the scrutiny, “lay in wait” for German before ambushing him.
German was well-known for his investigative work on organized crime, government corruption, and political scandals, making him a key figure in Las Vegas journalism. His colleagues describe him as a relentless reporter who wouldn’t stop digging for the truth.
Ambush in a quiet neighborhood
German was discovered dead on September 3, 2022, outside his home in a quiet suburban cul-de-sac. The Metropolitan Police Department believes he was killed during an altercation the previous morning. Surveillance footage released by the police showed a suspect wearing a straw hat and gloves, and later, a suspicious vehicle—a red or maroon GMC Yukon—was connected to the crime. This vehicle, resembling one owned by Telles, was later found at his home and towed by authorities.
After returning home to find his house being searched by police, Telles allegedly barricaded himself inside, donning a white hazmat suit before being apprehended. He was taken into custody with bandages on his arms, where officers reported he had inflicted wounds on himself.
Telles maintains his innocence
Since his arrest, Telles has been held without bail, and his political career has unraveled. His law license has been suspended, and he has remained largely silent. However, his defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, stated that Telles is eager to tell his side of the story, claiming that he was framed by the police and that evidence was planted.
“He’s been looking forward to trial,” Draskovich said as the proceedings began. “He wants to tell his story.”
Telles also accused law enforcement of violating his civil rights and claimed that the evidence found at his home was part of a biased investigation from the outset. He further alleged that police illegally detained him before his arrest, and body-worn camera footage of the incident was improperly deleted.
Evidence and legal battles
Prosecutors assert they have compelling evidence against Telles, including DNA believed to be from Telles found under German’s fingernails, as well as cut-up pieces of a straw hat and shoes found at Telles’ home that match those worn by the suspect in the surveillance footage.
The trial was delayed by legal disputes, including a battle over access to German’s confidential sources and unpublished materials stored on his cellphone and computers. The Las Vegas Review-Journal fought to protect these materials under the First Amendment and Nevada state law, with the state’s Supreme Court ultimately allowing the newspaper to review the files before turning them over to authorities.
Telles has also filed a motion to block testimony related to the hostile work environment allegations and a discrimination lawsuit brought against him by former employees. The trial is expected to last less than two weeks.
A shocking loss for journalism
Jeff German’s murder sent shockwaves through the Las Vegas community and the journalism world. Former Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak called German’s death “a tragic loss for our community,” praising the journalist as “tough but fair.” Democratic Congresswoman Dina Titus echoed these sentiments, noting that German’s fearless reporting had often led to reforms that made Las Vegas a better place.
German’s colleagues at the Review-Journal described him as a fearless journalist whose tenacity improved the safety and integrity of the city.
“It turned everything upside down,” said Tom Pitaro, a veteran Las Vegas defense attorney who had taught Telles in law school. “When you have an office-holder, a respected journalist, and the kind of killing it was, I think people are in shock about how this could come about.”
Jeff German was the only journalist killed in the United States in 2022. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that 17 journalists and media workers have been killed in the U.S. since 1992, including 15 whose deaths were work-related. The trial of Robert Telles is being closely watched, as it raises significant concerns about the safety of journalists and the lengths to which individuals may go to silence critical reporting.