Judge expands punishment for former Nevada politician convicted of killing journalist

A judge in Nevada tacked on an additional eight years to the life sentence of a former Las Vegas politician on Wednesday, expanding his previous life sentence with a chance of parole in 20 years, to a chance of parole in 28 years.

Robert Telles was convicted of the 2022 murder of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German in August. German had written multiple stories criticizing Telles' conduct, which resulted in the end of his political career and marriage. Telles has maintained his innocence.

Telles was initially sentenced to life in prison with a chance of parole after 20 years, but judge Michelle Leavitt added on the extra years for use of a deadly weapon, the age of the reporter, and lying in wait before the attack, according to Axios.

"I understand the desire to seek justice and have somebody accountable for this," Telles said in court. "But I did not kill Mr. German. My deepest sympathies to the family ... and I wish them well as they navigate the rest of this tragedy."

German's family had pushed for the extra years, with German's brother claiming that they did not feel safe if Telles was released after just 20 years. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson praised the ruling, and stated that Telles did not appear remorseful over the crime.

"We got what we wanted: a life sentence and max on the enhancement," Wolfson said, per ABC News.

Telles has denied killing German, and claimed he was being framed for the murder as retaliation for rooting out corruption in his office.  Telles's DNA was found under German's fingernails. But none of German's DNA or blood has been found on Telles, or in his vehicle or home.

Prosecutors had claimed the motive for the murder was Telles's alleged belief that German damaged his career and reputation, and threatened his marriage.

Telles lost a primary for a second term after several of German's stories were published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal in May and June 2022. The stories accused Telles of having a romantic relationship with an employee, and claimed there was bullying at Telles's office.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.