LAS VEGAS (Scripps News Las Vegas) — Former Clark County Public Administrator, Robert Telles, who is accused of killing a local journalist, has been denied bail by a judge.
This undated photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, who was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in the fatal stabbing of veteran Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German. The DNA of the now-arrested public official was found at the site of a Las Vegas investigative reporter’s fatal stabbing and the man was “very upset” about upcoming stories the reporter was pursuing, police said Thursday.
(Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department via AP)
Telles’ attorney appeared before the judge to discuss a motion for Telles’ release from jail as his criminal case proceeds. Telles’ attorney added that he was “disappointed” by the state’s decision to not grant bail during previous hearings.
As previously reported, Telles is currently being held without bail at Clark County Detention Center, and earlier this month, a judge granted the county’s request to remove Telles from his elected office.
Telles’ attorney also emphasized that Telles is not a threat or danger to the community or to himself, and told the judge that Telles is “not in any sense of the word, a flight risk.”
Telles’ mother Rosalinda and wife were both present in court, which Telles’ attorney pointed out to prove that Telles would have a solid support system if granted bail.
Former Clark County Public Administrator, Robert Telles, is in court this morning. His wife (second photo/dressed in purple) is sitting directly across from him. Telles plans to ask for his freedom during todays hearing. More updates to come @KTNV https://t.co/Zfv2JM7TaN pic.twitter.com/6aFkjH7Bx7
— Alyssa Bethencourt (@a_bethencourttv) October 18, 2022
The goal in asking for Telles’ release, his attorney added, is not to minimize the suffering Jeff German’s family is experiencing.
Jeff German, investigative reporter, poses for a portrait at the Las Vegas Review-Journal photos studio, in Las Vegas, on Jan. 19, 2017. German was stabbed to death outside his home and police are looking for a suspect, authorities said. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers found journalist German dead with stab wounds around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, after authorities received a 911 call, reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal. (Elizabeth Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)
The state responded to these claims by pointing out how likely conviction is in this case, using evidence from the scene such as the surveillance video and the DNA under German’s fingernails.
“At the end of the day, the evidence in this case is overwhelming and I do not believe he is entitled to bail at this time,” said State Prosecutor Christopher Hamner. “This is also the same family structure that was in place when he committed this crime.”
Judge Karen Bennett-Haron ultimately denied Telles bail during Tuesday’s hearing but said she will “reconsider” during the preliminary hearing.
The preliminary hearing for Telles’ criminal case is scheduled for Oct. 26.
This story was originally published Oct. 18, 2022 by KTNV in Las Vegas, an E.W. Scripps Company.
