Hello everyone, let’s dive into a tragic and disturbing story that’s rocked the world of journalism and politics. In Clark County, Nevada, a former public administrator, Robert Telles, has been found guilty of the cold-blooded murder of Jeff German, a veteran reporter from the Las Vegas Review-Journal. This case isn’t just about a crime; it’s about the dangerous intersection of power, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
So, here’s what went down. The jury took three days to deliberate before reaching their verdict: Robert Telles, age 47, is guilty of stabbing Jeff German to death in September 2022. What’s shocking is the motive—German had been digging into scandals within Telles’ office, publishing reports that likely cost Telles his job.
You see, German was no stranger to controversy; he spent decades uncovering corruption in Las Vegas. But it was his investigation into the relatively obscure office Telles ran that ultimately led to this horrifying outcome.
BREAKING: Robert Telles, the former elected Clark County Public Administrator, was found guilty Wednesday of murdering Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German.
UPDATES: https://t.co/Mp5kCzdZka pic.twitter.com/36Fopw9w5p— Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) August 28, 2024
Back in May 2022, German’s reporting uncovered a hostile work environment under Telles, along with allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. This exposé didn’t just ruffle feathers—it contributed to Telles losing his primary election in June that year. And prosecutors argued that this loss pushed Telles over the edge, driving him to commit murder.
Now, the evidence against Telles was pretty damning. Surveillance footage from outside German’s home showed a man lurking in the bushes, dressed in a large sunhat, orange jacket, and gray Nike sneakers—clothing that matched items later found in Telles’ possession, albeit cut up and hidden.
The man in the video attacked German as he returned home, then fled in a maroon SUV registered to Telles. These clues painted a clear picture of a premeditated attack, fueled by anger and desperation.
During the trial, Telles tried to spin an unbelievable tale, claiming that his former colleagues, a real estate company, and the police had hired a hitman to kill German and frame him. Even his own attorney, Robert Draskovich, couldn’t support this outlandish theory, though he did suggest that Telles might have believed it out of sheer desperation.
In the end, justice was served. The Las Vegas Review-Journal, where German had worked, released a statement after the verdict, emphasizing that Jeff German died for doing what he loved—holding public officials accountable and giving voters the truth. They expressed hope that the verdict brings some peace to German’s loved ones, though the loss of such a dedicated journalist will be felt for a long time.