In a murder trial involving a former Las Vegas-area Democratic elected official, Robert Telles, who was accused of killing investigative reporter Jeff German, Telles addressed the jury, declaring his innocence and promising to share his story. His attorney, Robert Draskovich, had initially advised him not to testify to avoid being questioned by prosecutors, but Telles insisted on telling his side of the story. Facing a potential life sentence if convicted, Telles maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in German’s murder.
During his testimony, Telles asserted his innocence, stating that he did not kill German and emphasizing his right to share his opinion with the jury. However, Judge Michelle Leavitt intervened, instructing Telles to stick to facts and observations rather than opinions. Telles appeared to struggle with understanding the limitations of his testimony, and the proceedings were marked by confusion and interruptions. Despite a rocky start, Telles was scheduled to continue his testimony the following day.
Robert Telles, a 47-year-old former attorney, had his law license suspended following his arrest for German’s murder. Telles had worked as the county’s administrator of unclaimed estates before losing his job, and he has previously claimed that he was framed for the crime. Allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a coworker were a central focus of the allegations against Telles, who maintained that he was targeted by political and social forces for exposing corruption in his workplace.
Evidence presented by prosecutors included DNA linking Telles to German’s murder, as well as data showing his phone was inactive during the time German was killed. Telles had close family ties to a vehicle spotted in German’s neighborhood around the time of the murder, as well as photos and records of German found on his electronic devices. The trial also featured testimonies from witnesses, such as an athletic club manager who attested to Telles’ presence at a Las Vegas location on the day German was killed.
Jeff German, a veteran journalist known for his coverage of Las Vegas mobsters and public officials, was brutally killed outside his home, sparking a high-profile investigation into his death. Telles, who had clashed with German in the past over critical articles written about Telles’ workplace conduct, became a suspect in the case. The murder trial has attracted widespread media attention, with German’s family members and friends attending the proceedings as spectators.
As Telles continues to defend himself in court, the murder trial is poised to conclude soon, with both the prosecution and defense presenting their closing arguments. Despite the intense scrutiny and pressure on Telles, he remains steadfast in professing his innocence and maintaining that he did not kill Jeff German. The outcome of the trial will ultimately hinge on the jury’s deliberation and decision, determining whether Telles will be convicted and subjected to a life sentence for the murder of the investigative reporter.
