Robert Telles, a Democrat politician in Las Vegas, has been convicted of the murder of Jeff German, a veteran investigative journalist known for his relentless pursuit of corruption in the city. German, 69, was stabbed to death outside his home on September 2, 2022, after his reporting exposed misconduct in Telles’ office.
Despite the gravity of the crime, many mainstream media outlets, including Axios, ABC, AP, and CBS, referred to Telles in their headlines simply as an “ex-politician” or “former Las Vegas official,” often omitting his Democratic affiliation.
German’s investigations had uncovered allegations of bullying, retaliation, and favoritism within Telles’ office, particularly in exchange for sexual favors. These reports ultimately led to a fatal confrontation between Telles and the journalist. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson emphasized the importance of the verdict, 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, attempted to argue in court that he was being framed by his staff because of his efforts to combat corruption. However, these claims were quickly dismissed by the prosecution as baseless.
German’s family remembered him as a devoted journalist who remained committed to exposing corruption in Las Vegas, a city he believed needed his investigative work. Despite opportunities to work elsewhere, German stayed in “Sin City” to continue his work where it mattered most.
Sentenced to life in prison, Telles will serve at least 20 years before being eligible for parole. The case highlights the risks faced by journalists who challenge powerful figures and the importance of protecting press freedom.
