Robert Telles, the former Democratic Clark County (Nev.) Public Administrator, was found guilty of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German on Wednesday and sentenced to life in prison with possible parole after 20 years.
German, who was stabbed to death outside his home in September 2022, had investigated Telles for months and published articles relating to allegations he oversaw an abusive workplace environment and had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Telles subsequently lost his Democratic primary election.
German spent decades reporting on shadowy characters and criminals, but Telles — a failed politician unwilling to accept responsibility for his plight — was the only one who tried to kill a journalist just doing his job. This conviction has brought justice for German and all journalists who bravely speak truth to power.
Telles' claims of a conspiracy against him are a stretch, but he did paint a picture of several people and a company who had a motive to frame him. Although Telles lost his argument, it should be acknowledged that sometimes investigators get things wrong, and people who claim they've been set up should be given a chance to say their piece.