LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Robert Telles, a former Clark County Public Administrator, was sentenced Wednesday for the murder of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German on Labor Day weekend in 2022.
Telles is accused of plotting to kill German, 69, after he wrote some unflattering news stories about him that he felt caused him to lose the election. Evidence at the trial against Telles included Telles’ DNA found under German’s fingernails.
Telles was found guilty of first-degree murder in August and the jury sentenced him to 20 years to life. Wednesday, Judge Michelle Leavitt sentenced him on two enhancements, one for the weapon and the other because German was over 60 years old. The judge gave him an additional 8 to 20 years. Telles did get credit for the two years already spent behind bars. The earliest he could be released for parole is in 26 years.
During the sentencing, Telles addressed the court and German’s family and offered his condolences but still claimed he was innocent.
German was a respected investigative reporter covering the Las Vegas community for more than 40 years and eventually encouraged his other family members to settle here. His brother, Jay German, addressed the court and talked about the toll his brother’s killing had taken on the family.
German said his family has dealt with anxiety and fear since the murder. Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich said Telles plans to appeal his conviction.