Reactions to the increased sentence for Jeff German’s convicted murderer

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – Channel 13 has been reporting on the September 2022 murder of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German for more than two years.

On Wednesday, a judge sentenced the German murderer, former Clark County Public Defender Robert Telles, to the maximum penalty: 28 years to life in prison with enhancements because the victim was 60 years or older and it was murder with the use of a deadly weapon. weapon. weapon.

You can watch the full hearing here:

Watch: The judge adds 8 years to Robert Telles’ sentence for the murder of a local reporter

In August, a jury found Telles guilty of German’s murder and sentenced the former politician to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving a minimum of 20 years.

Prosecutors said Telles killed German because the investigative journalist had written a series of unflattering articles about the elected official and was working to uncover more.

It was a packed courtroom Wednesday with Telles’ former colleagues, German’s family, Metro detectives involved in the case and Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson all in attendance.

Telles was shackled and wore a Clark County Detention Center uniform before Judge Michelle Leavitt.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Pamela Weckerly asked Judge Leavitt to impose the maximum sentence, stating that the jury had found Telles guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of German’s murder.

When Judge Leavitt asked Telles if he had anything to say, he turned to German’s family and maintained his innocence.

“I understand the desire to seek justice and hold someone accountable for this,” Telles said, looking at the victim’s family members. “But I didn’t kill Mr. German.”

Telles’ attorney Robert Draskovich urged the judge to show mercy, saying Telles has no prior criminal history.

Prosecutors brought Jeff German’s brother, Jay German, to testify at the sentencing.

Jay was emotional and talked about his brother’s death.

“We lost a brother, we lost an uncle, a friend, a leader,” Jay said. “We are still in shock.”

German’s sisters sat in tears in the stands as their brother testified.

“We’re doing our best to get through this,” Jay said. “Really, but he was our leader and we will never see him again.”

Jay told the judge that if Telles ever becomes a free man, he worries about retaliation.

“We are deeply concerned and fear for our safety if Robert Telles is released after just 20 years in prison,” Jay said.

Ultimately, the judge imposed the maximum sentence.

“I wasn’t surprised that she sentenced him to eight to 20 years, given the double enhancements,” Draskovich said after court.

Under Nevada law, a judge cannot stack the two enhancements.

Speaking to reporters after court, Wolfson said it was a measure of justice.

Watch: Hear what defense attorney Robert Draskovich and Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson had to say about Telles’ extended sentence.

Hear from the defense and prosecutor after the judge added time to Robert Telles’ sentence

“We are pleased,” Wolfson said. “He deserved the maximum sentence. He showed absolutely no remorse and accepted no responsibility. He committed a very heinous crime and he deserves the maximum sentence.”

Channel 13 also spoke with Jessica Coleman, a real estate technician with the Clark County Public Administration, after court on Wednesday.

She worked with Telles when he was a government administrator and was one of the workers who tipped German off.

“There’s a little bit of relief,” Coleman said. “But it’s also the hollow part of the system. Knowing what he is like, how he acts, how he perceives the world around him, it doesn’t feel like it’s going to be enough.”

Coleman said she also fears for her safety and for those in public administration if Telles ever becomes a free man.

“We are always looking over our shoulders. We still often walk outside together. We are always on our guard and always keep in touch with each other,” said Coleman.

She said she is ready to move on and start the next chapter of her life.

“It feels so good to know that we don’t have to see him. He will never be able to come into that office again. He no longer has an impact on my daily life,” said Coleman. “We are all looking forward to getting away from him and his toxicity.”

Glenn Cook, editor-in-chief of Las Vegas Review-Journal, sent us the following statement:

National Press Club President Emily Wilkins also released a statement: