State Official Convicted of Killing Reporter Who Uncovered Office Corruption

A former Nevada politician was convicted on Wednesday for the murder of journalist Jeff German, who was killed in September 2022. Robert Telles, the ex-Clark County public administrator, displayed visible distress as the jury’s foreperson delivered the verdict.

Following the announcement, Clark County District Attorney Steven Wolfson expressed gratitude to the jury and emphasized the significance of the decision. “Today’s verdict should send a clear message: attempts to silence or intimidate the media will not be tolerated,” he stated.

The prosecution revealed that the 47-year-old Telles fatally stabbed German after his reporting exposed corruption within Telles’ office. This reporting not only destroyed Telles’ political career but also strained his marriage. German’s articles revealed a hostile work environment filled with bullying, retaliation, and an inappropriate relationship involving Telles. Telles vehemently denied these allegations.

Telles was apprehended shortly after German’s body was discovered outside his Las Vegas residence. An investigation led to the collection of DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene. Additionally, a straw hat and sneakers that matched Telles’ attire seen in surveillance footage were found in his home, along with his DNA on German’s hands and fingernails.

Despite pleading not guilty, Telles could face life imprisonment for his actions. In her opening remarks, Chief Deputy District Attorney Pamela Weckerly outlined the timeline of events leading to Telles being named as the primary suspect. “This case isn’t about politics or workplace favoritism; it’s about murder,” she declared.

During his trial, which commenced on August 21, Telles took the stand to proclaim his innocence, claiming he was “framed” by a real estate firm he believed he was investigating for bribery. “Somebody framed me for this, and I believe it’s Compass Realty, because of my work against them,” he argued.

The owner of Compass Realty, Takumba Britt, countered Telles’s conspiracy theories, branding him a “desperate man” charged with the violent murder of a well-respected journalist. Wolfson later dismissed Telles’ claims of a conspiracy, asserting, “The only conspiracy was between him and his evil mind.”

When authorities apprehended Telles, he had non-life-threatening self-inflicted stab wounds, which his defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, argued were not indicative of guilt, but rather a sign that Telles felt his life was unraveling.

Draskovich maintained Telles’ assertion of a conspiracy, suggesting that longtime staff members in the public administrator’s office were upset with Telles for exposing internal corruption. He insinuated that several individuals, due to German’s investigative prowess, might have had stronger motives to harm him. “There were others with far more motive to frame Telles as the killer,” he claimed.

As the hearing progressed, German’s three siblings addressed the court profoundly affected by their loss. “Jeff was our leader; he was the older brother we all leaned on,” his brother, Jay German, shared with emotion.

German’s siblings characterized him as a beloved uncle, an indomitable journalist, and a passionate sports fan. His sister, Jill Zwerg, recounted a poignant moment when Jeff celebrated her engagement by buying champagne for an entire bar, adding, “He’s so deeply missed every day.”

Telles’ family also spoke at the sentencing hearing, imploring the jury for mercy. His wife, Mary Ann Ismael, expressed hope for their children to have access to their father in the future. Telles’ mother, Rosalinda Anaya, choked back tears, asking for understanding and the possibility of parole, highlighting the youthful nature of Telles’ family.

Nevertheless, prosecutors argued for a life sentence, asserting the severity of Telles’ actions. Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Hamner stated, “Telles decided to be judge, jury, and literally executioner of German simply because he was unhappy with what was reported about him.” He added that Telles’ reaction was wholly disproportionate to losing an election.

Jeff German stands out as a symbol of the serious threats faced by journalists. He was the only journalist murdered in the United States in 2022, part of a wider pattern of violence against the press worldwide, with at least 67 journalists killed globally that year, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Las Vegas Sheriff Joseph Lombardo underscored the peculiar nature of this case, noting the particular risks journalists face as they hold the government accountable.

In a statement celebrating the verdict, Las Vegas Review-Journal executive editor Glenn Cook described it as a significant measure of justice for both German and for journalists worldwide. “Jeff was killed for doing the work he cared deeply about, which held elected officials accountable,” Cook wrote, reaffirming German’s legacy and the trauma of his murder.

Source: ABC News