Robert Telles, a Democrat politician in Las Vegas, Nevada, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of Jeff German, a respected investigative journalist. German, 69, was known for his dogged reporting on corruption and crime in Las Vegas, including a series of articles that exposed serious misconduct within Telles’ office. On September 2, 2022, Telles fatally stabbed German outside his home, an act that has shocked the community and underscored the dangers faced by journalists.
Despite the high-profile nature of the crime, several major media outlets such as Axios, ABC, AP, and CBS referred to Telles merely as an “ex-politician” or “former Las Vegas official,” often omitting his Democratic affiliation in their headlines. This has led to criticism from some who believe that the full context of the crime is being downplayed.
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, who was also a lawyer, claimed in court that he had been framed by staff members unhappy with his efforts to address corruption. However, these claims were dismissed as baseless by the prosecution.
German’s family remembered him as a dedicated journalist who chose to stay in Las Vegas to continue his important work, despite opportunities to move elsewhere. His commitment to exposing the truth made him a target, but also cemented his legacy as a journalist who made a significant impact on “Sin City.”
Telles will serve a minimum of 20 years before he is eligible for parole, but his life sentence stands as a sobering reminder of the risks journalists face when they challenge powerful figures and expose corruption.
