Published on: October 16, 2024, 01:42h.
Last updated on: October 16, 2024, 01:57h.
Robert Telles, a former Clark County Public Administrator, who was sentenced to 20 years to life in August for fatally stabbing Las Vegas newspaper reporter Jeff German in 2022, received additional prison time on Wednesday in Eighth Judicial District Court.
Judge Michelle Leavitt added eight years to Telles’ sentence for two enhancements — one for murder with a deadly weapon and the other because German was over 60 years old.
Having already served two years, Telles, 47, won’t be eligible for parole for another 26, when he is 73.
Compelling Evidence
Telles was found guilty of first-degree murder for orchestrating German’s death following articles by the Las Vegas Review-Journal that exposed a toxic workplace created by Telles in his office, as well as an affair with a staff member.
Telles conceded that these articles likely led to his defeat in his last election.
The evidence against Telles’ plea of innocence was substantial. It included skin with his DNA discovered beneath German’s fingernails and a photo of a text message sent to Telles from his wife through her Apple Watch.
The message read, “Where are you?” and was sent at 10:30 a.m. on September 2, 2022.
This coincided with security footage showing a maroon SUV resembling Telles’ near German’s residence, driven by an individual in an orange outfit and a straw hat, whom Telles himself referred to as German’s killer. A similar straw hat, cut up, was found by authorities in Telles’ garage.
Telles opted to speak directly to the court on Wednesday, an opportunity that most lawyers advise their clients to decline, and Telles showcased why.
As he addressed the still mourning family of his victim, Telles conveyed his “sincerest condolences,” acknowledging German’s impact on the community and stating that he made a difference.
However, Telles persisted in proclaiming his innocence, prioritizing his own well-being over acknowledging the devastation he caused.
“I understand the need for justice and accountability,” Telles stated, “but I did not kill Mr. German.”