Former Las Vegas-area politician Robert Telles was found guilty Wednesday of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German, marking the conclusion of an eight-day trial that began on Aug.t 12.

Telles, a Democrat, was convicted after a Nevada jury deliberated for nearly 12 hours, weighing evidence that pointed to him as the person responsible for German’s death, as the New York Post reports.

The trial, closely watched by the public, concluded a year after German was found dead over Labor Day weekend in 2022. Telles had been held without bail since his arrest days after the journalist’s death.

Trial Evidence and Prosecution's Case

German, a veteran journalist with over four decades of experience covering crime, courts, and corruption in Las Vegas, was the only journalist killed in the United States in 2022. His death came shortly after he published a series of articles exposing turmoil and a romantic relationship within the Clark County Public Administrator’s office, where Telles served as the public administrator.

During the trial, prosecutors presented a compelling timeline, supported by videos showing Telles’ maroon SUV near German’s home on the day of the murder, Sept. 2, 2022. Surveillance footage captured a person dressed in a bright orange outfit walking toward German’s residence around 11:15 a.m., the time German was attacked. The prosecution also revealed that Telles' DNA was found under German’s fingernails, further linking him to the crime.

Prosecutor Christopher Hamner described the evidence against Telles as “overwhelming,” arguing that the jury only needed to “connect the dots” to see that Telles was responsible. Hamner asserted that Telles had a clear motive, blaming German for destroying his career, damaging his reputation, and jeopardizing his marriage.

Defense Argues Against the Evidence

The defense team, led by lawyer Robert Draskovich, attempted to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case. Draskovich argued that the person in the surveillance image did not resemble Telles and pointed out the absence of German's blood or DNA on Telles or his belongings.

Telles took the stand in his own defense, maintaining his innocence and insisting that he was not capable of such violence. “I am not the kind of person who would stab someone. I didn’t kill Mr. German. And that’s my testimony,” Telles told the court. He claimed that on the day of the murder, he had taken a walk and gone to the gym, suggesting he was being framed.

Despite these arguments, the jury found the evidence against Telles persuasive, leading to his conviction.

Sentencing Phase to Determine Telles' Fate

With the conviction secured, the jury will now turn its attention to the penalty phase, where they will decide Telles’ sentence. Prosecutors have already indicated that they will not seek the death penalty. However, Telles could face a range of severe sentences, including life in prison without the possibility of parole, life with the possibility of parole after 20 years, or a fixed term of 20 to 50 years in prison.

Additionally, if Telles is convicted of using a deadly weapon during the commission of the murder, his sentence could be extended by an additional one to eight years.

German's Legacy and Impact on the Case

Jeff German was widely respected in the Las Vegas journalism community, known for his dogged pursuit of stories that exposed corruption and crime. His death sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers journalists can face when holding powerful figures accountable.

German’s family and friends, who attended the trial, declined to comment as a group on the outcome. The impact of his reporting, however, was clear throughout the proceedings, as prosecutors argued that it was German’s work that led to Telles’ rage and ultimately to the fatal attack.

Final Thoughts as Trial Concludes

As the trial drew to a close, the defense attempted to sway the jury by questioning the reliability of the evidence. Todd Leventhal, a defense attorney not connected to the case, suggested that the jury’s lengthy deliberations indicated they were taking their responsibilities seriously. “They are taking their jobs as jurors seriously and that’s fantastic. Realistically there is no hurry, and the man is facing life in prison,” Leventhal remarked.

Despite the defense's efforts, the jury's decision underscores the strength of the evidence presented by the prosecution. The case against Telles, built on a combination of forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and witness testimony, proved compelling enough to convince the jury of his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Conclusion

Robert Telles now faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison following his conviction for the murder of Jeff German.

As the penalty phase begins, the court will decide the appropriate punishment for a crime that has shaken the Las Vegas community and brought attention to the risks faced by journalists who expose the truth.

Jeff German’s legacy as a fearless investigative reporter endures, even as his tragic death serves as a sobering reminder of the perils that come with holding power to account.