( Source = abcnews.go.com)
A former Nevada politician, Robert Telles, has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years for the murder of Las Vegas investigative reporter Jeff German. Telles was convicted in the September 2022 stabbing death of German, whose reporting on Telles’ alleged misconduct in his role as Clark County public administrator led to his downfall.
The trial highlighted concerns about the safety of journalists, particularly those who investigate corruption and powerful individuals. During the sentencing phase, German’s family and colleagues spoke about the devastating impact of his murder. Telles’ mother pleaded for mercy, asking the jury to allow her son to be a part of his children’s lives.
The verdict sends a clear message that attempts to silence journalists will not be tolerated. Las Vegas Review-Journal executive editor Glenn Cook praised the sentence, calling it a “measure of justice” for German and slain journalists everywhere.
Nevada Politician and German’s reporting exposed corruption and misconduct
Robert Telles, a former Nevada Politician and Clark County public administrator was found guilty of murdering Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German. Prosecutors argued that Telles killed German after German’s reporting exposed corruption and misconduct in Telles’ office, leading to the downfall of Telles’ political career and marriage.
Telles denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. However, DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene, and surveillance footage showed him wearing a hat and sneakers that were later found cut up in his home. His DNA was also found on German’s body.
During the trial, Telles claimed he was framed by a real estate company he was investigating for alleged bribery. However, the real estate company denied these allegations, and the jury ultimately rejected Telles’ conspiracy theory.
The verdict sends a clear message that journalists who investigate corruption and powerful individuals will not be silenced.
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