Arraignment Hearing for Las Vegas Official Accused in Murder of Journalist Set to Begin

Former Clark County administrator Robert Telles faces murder charges in the death of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German. Jury selection commences Monday, and prosecutors allege articles German wrote critical of Telles' office were the motive.

An arraignment hearing has commenced for former Las Vegas-area politician Robert Telles, who stands accused of killing an investigative journalist who penned articles critical of his office. Telles, a former Democratic Clark County administrator of estates, has remained incarcerated since his arrest in September 2022, days after Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German was found slashed and stabbed to death outside his home.

German's tragic demise marked the first killing of a journalist in the United States among at least 67 news media workers slain worldwide that year, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. A highly respected reporter, German had spent 44 years developing deep confidential sources in Las Vegas.

Arraignment Hearing for Las Vegas Official Accused in Murder of Journalist Set to Begin

Prosecutors allege that articles German wrote in early 2022 about Telles and a county office in turmoil motivated the killing. German was found slashed and stabbed to death in a side yard outside his home, where Telles is accused of "lying in wait" for German to come outside.

Telles, 47, was arrested days later, aided by surveillance video and images circulating among law enforcement. Police circulated video of a person wearing an orange work shirt and a wide-brimmed straw hat toting a shoulder bag and walking toward German’s home. Additionally, police released images of a distinctive maroon SUV like one that a Review-Journal photographer observed Telles washing outside his home several days after the killing.

Arraignment Hearing for Las Vegas Official Accused in Murder of Journalist Set to Begin

Telles grew up in El Paso, Texas, and lived in Colorado before moving to Las Vegas. He became a lawyer in 2015 and ran as a Democrat in 2018 to become Clark County administrator of estates. However, after his arrest, he lost his elected position and his law license was suspended. Despite pleading not guilty to open murder, Telles could face life in prison if convicted.

Ahead of Monday's proceedings, Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, stated that his client is eager to present his side of the story. Over 100 prospective jurors have completed questionnaires about their knowledge of German’s killing and Telles’ arrest. The process of interviewing and empaneling jurors and alternates is expected to take several days, while testimony is anticipated to conclude within two weeks. Prosecutors have opted not to pursue the death penalty.

Arraignment Hearing for Las Vegas Official Accused in Murder of Journalist Set to Begin

Before the trial commences, Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt will consider a final request to dismiss the case against Telles and cancel the trial. In a court filing, Telles contends that he was illegally detained prior to his arrest, that officer body-worn camera footage of the traffic stop was inappropriately deleted, and that blood tests taken following his arrest and treatment for self-inflicted wrist wounds were excluded from his case.

Despite other requests for dismissal being rejected, Telles has hired and fired attorneys and represented himself in his defense. He has also twice attempted to have Judge Leavitt removed from the case, alleging bias against him.

Arraignment Hearing for Las Vegas Official Accused in Murder of Journalist Set to Begin

Prosecutors maintain strong evidence against Telles, including DNA allegedly from Telles found beneath German’s fingernails and pieces of a straw hat and shoes discovered at Telles' house that resemble those worn by the person seen on video outside German's home.

Telles has expressed a desire for a speedy trial, but the proceedings have been delayed in part due to a legal battle initiated by the Review-Journal to shield confidential sources on German’s cellphone and computers. The newspaper asserts that names and unpublished material are protected from disclosure by the First Amendment and Nevada state law. Police countered that their investigation could not be completed without examining the devices for potential evidence. The court has granted the newspaper, its lawyers, and consultants time to review the files first.

Last week, an attorney representing the Review-Journal informed the judge that the review process will be completed in time to provide records to police, prosecutors, and Telles' lawyers before jury selection begins.

Telles is also seeking an order from Judge Leavitt prohibiting testimony at trial regarding a hostile workplace and a discrimination lawsuit filed in federal court against Telles and Clark County by four women.

The trial is set to begin with jury selection on Monday, and the proceedings are expected to shed light on the tragic murder of a renowned journalist and the motives behind the alleged crime.