Former Official Found Guilty in Journalist's Murder

A Las Vegas jury convicted Robert Telles, former Clark County public administrator, of murdering investigative reporter Jeff German. The case underscored rising threats to journalists in the U.S. The trial revealed evidence linking Telles to the crime scene, although he claimed a conspiracy framed him. The U.S. saw a decline in journalist safety rankings.

A Las Vegas, Nevada jury has found former Clark County public administrator Robert Telles guilty of murdering investigative reporter Jeff German. The case, which has drawn national attention, highlights the increasing threats journalists face in the United States.

Telles was convicted after more than 10 hours of jury deliberation. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including DNA found under German's fingernails and video footage of the attacker's car, which matched a vehicle registered to Telles' wife. German was stabbed to death outside his home on September 2, 2022.

During the two-week trial, Telles claimed he was framed in a conspiracy involving his colleagues, a real estate company, the police, and possibly the district attorney's office. He maintained his innocence throughout cross-examinations, denying involvement in the crime. German had been investigating complaints about Telles, including accusations of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and creating a toxic workplace. Telles' arrest followed his failed re-election bid in June 2022. The case underscores the global issue of declining journalist safety, as noted by the World Press Freedom Index.