In a case that has sent shockwaves through Las Vegas, Democrat politician Robert Telles has been convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German. German, 69, was known for his fearless reporting on corruption in the city, including his recent work that exposed misconduct within Telles’ office.
Telles, who was once a rising political figure, stabbed German to death outside his home on September 2, 2022. Despite the severity of the crime, media outlets like Axios, ABC, AP, and CBS frequently referred to Telles as an “ex-politician” or “former Las Vegas official,” often omitting his Democratic affiliation in their headlines, leading to criticism of biased reporting.
German’s investigative work had uncovered allegations of bullying, favoritism, and other corrupt practices in Telles’ office. These revelations ultimately led to the fatal confrontation between the politician and the journalist. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, after Telles’ conviction, said, “Today’s verdict should send a clear message that any attempts to silence the media, or to silence or intimidate a journalist, will not be tolerated.”
Telles attempted to argue in court that he was being framed by disgruntled staff members, but these claims were rejected by the jury. German’s family paid tribute to his dedication, noting that he remained in Las Vegas to continue his important work despite opportunities to leave.
Telles will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of his life sentence, but the case stands as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who expose corruption and challenge the powerful.
