Las Vegas, NV – Robert Telles, the former Clark County public administrator, was sentenced Wednesday to 28 years to life in prison for the 2022 murder of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German. The sentencing follows a two-week trial that culminated in Telles’ conviction in July.

Telles, who has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, appeared in court alongside his attorney, Robert Draskovich, to plead for a lesser sentence. “I understand the desire to seek justice and have somebody accountable for this, but I did not kill Mr. German,” Telles stated.

However, Judge Michelle Leavitt handed down a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 20 years for the murder conviction. An additional eight to 20 years were added consecutively for the use of a deadly weapon, bringing the total sentence to 28 years to life.

The prosecution, led by Deputy District Attorney Pamela Weckerly, had pushed for the maximum sentence, citing the nature of the crime as “political violence,” German’s age, and the devastating impact his death had on his family and the community.

German’s brother, Jay, delivered a poignant victim impact statement, expressing the family’s enduring grief and anxieties about their safety if Telles were to be released after only 20 years.

The case against Telles was built on compelling evidence, including DNA found on German’s body that matched Telles, and clothing recovered from Telles’ home that matched the killer’s attire. Prosecutors argued that Telles, fueled by resentment over German’s investigative reporting into his misconduct in office, ambushed and fatally stabbed the journalist outside his home.

Despite the conviction, Telles’ defense team, led by Draskovich, has indicated their intent to file an appeal. Draskovich has withdrawn as counsel, and Telles will now be represented by the Clark County Public Defender’s Office for the appeals process.

Source: News3LV