Las Vegas Politician Sentenced for Journalist's Murder

Former Las Vegas-area politician Robert Telles was convicted of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German, following his critical reporting. Telles, sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 20 years, plans to appeal. The case highlights the dangers faced by journalists and asserts that such crimes will not be tolerated.

Former Las Vegas-area politician Robert Telles has been convicted of the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German and sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 20 years, according to a Nevada jury ruling on Wednesday. The jury deliberated for nearly 12 hours over three days, concluding a trial that began on August 12.

During the trial, evidence showed that German's critical reporting on Telles' conduct in office may have led to the attack. Telles has been in jail without bail since his arrest following German's death over Labor Day weekend in 2022.

Defense attorney Robert Draskovich stated that Telles intends to appeal the verdict. Telles' family members, who testified during the penalty phase, described him as a caring and devoted family man. Meanwhile, Jeff German's family remembered him as a diligent journalist committed to uncovering the truth. Prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence, including DNA found on German's fingernails, to connect Telles to the crime.

(With inputs from agencies.)