Robert Telles, a Democrat politician from Las Vegas, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jeff German, a 69-year-old investigative journalist known for his work uncovering corruption in “Sin City.” German was brutally stabbed outside his home on September 2, 2022, after publishing a series of reports exposing misconduct in Telles’ office.
Despite the high-profile nature of the crime, major news outlets like Axios, ABC, AP, and CBS frequently referred to Telles merely as an “ex-politician” or “former Las Vegas official,” often omitting his Democratic affiliation in their headlines, sparking criticism over biased reporting.
German’s investigations revealed allegations of bullying, favoritism, and unethical behavior in Telles’ office, leading to significant public scrutiny. Telles, in a desperate attempt to silence German, resorted to violence, which ultimately led to his conviction. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson emphasized the importance of protecting the press, stating, “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, a lawyer, argued in court that he was being framed by staff members disgruntled by his efforts to address corruption. However, the jury dismissed these claims, leading to his conviction and life sentence.
German’s family described him as a dedicated journalist who chose to stay in Las Vegas to continue his work despite opportunities elsewhere. His commitment to exposing corruption made him a target, but it also cemented his legacy as a journalist who made a lasting impact on the community.
Telles will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of his life sentence, but his conviction highlights the dangers faced by journalists and the importance of defending press freedom.
