LAS VEGAS — Prosecutors have formally filed a murder charge against Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, who is accused of killing Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative journalist Jeff German.
The criminal complaint — a document used to charge defendants — was filed on Monday, according to court records and Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. Court records show that Telles faces a charge of murder with the following enhancements: use of a deadly weapon and victim being an older person.
Enhancements on criminal charges can result in longer sentences.
Telles, 45, was arrested in connection with German’s death on Wednesday evening, about 12 hours after police arrived at his west Las Vegas house to conduct a search. German was found dead at his home on the morning of Sept. 3, just under 24 hours after German’s killer was captured on video surveillance approaching German’s house.
German, 69, was found with seven sharp-force injuries to his torso, along with wounds to his arms and hands that appeared defensive, according to Telles’ arrest report. Telles’ DNA was consistent with DNA found under German’s fingernails, officials have said.
Wolfson called the DNA evidence “compelling” when he spoke with reporters Thursday afternoon.
Authorities have not identified the murder weapon or indicated that they know its whereabouts.
Justice of the Peace Elana Lee Graham ordered Telles to be held without bail during his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday morning.
Telles’ defense attorney, Travis Shetler, has not replied to requests for comment.
During the court hearing on Thursday, prosecutors linked German’s killing to his reporting on Telles’ conduct as an elected official. Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Scow said German’s reporting “ruined his political career, likely his marriage.”
Earlier this year, German reported a series of investigative stories about Telles’ workplace conduct. German was working on a potential follow-up story in the weeks before his death.
Telles, a Democrat, lost his reelection bid in the primary after German’s findings were published, but his term does not expire until the end of the year.
Telles has remained the public administrator, and it remains unclear how he could be removed from office barring death, resignation or a voter-initiated recall. Clark County has said it is “reviewing its options under the law.”
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