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

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — For more than two years, Channel 13 has covered the September 2022 killing of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German.

On Wednesday, a judge sentenced the German killer, former Clark County State Administrator Robert Telles, to the maximum sentence – 28 years to life in prison with an extension because the victim was 60 or older and it was a murder with a deadly weapon.

You can watch the full hearing here:

Watch: Judge extends Robert Telles' sentence for murder of local reporter by eight years

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 at least 20 years.

Prosecutors said Telles killed German because the investigative reporter 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 in attendance.

Telles was cuffed before Judge Michelle Leavitt and wore the Clark County Detention Center uniform.

Assistant District Attorney Pamela Weckerly asked Judge Leavitt to impose the maximum sentence, saying the jury 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 demand justice and hold someone accountable,” said Telles, referring to the victim’s family members. “But I didn’t kill Mr. German.”

Telles' attorney Robert Draskovich urged the judge to show mercy, saying Telles had no criminal record.

The prosecution brought Jeff German's brother, Jay German, as a witness at the sentencing.

Jay was emotional as he spoke 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 cried in the gallery as their brother testified.

“We’re doing our best to get through this,” Jay said. “We really are, 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 fears retribution.

“We have great fear and anxiety for our safety if Robert Telles is released after only 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 in prison, given the double penalties,” Draskovich said after court.

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

Wolfson spoke to reporters after court and said a measure of justice had been achieved.

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 extended Robert Telles' sentence

“We are satisfied,” said Wolfson. “He deserved the maximum sentence. He showed absolutely no remorse, no acceptance of 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 Administrator's Office, Wednesday after the trial.

She worked with Telles when he was the public administrator and was one of the workers who tipped Deutsch off.

“There is a little relief,” Coleman said. “But it’s also the hollow part of the system. Knowing how he feels, how he behaves, how he perceives the world around him doesn’t seem to be enough.”

Coleman said she also fears for her safety and for the people in the state administrator's office if Telles ever becomes a free man.

“We always look over each other’s shoulders. We still tend to go out together. We’re always on guard and always checking on each other,” Coleman said.

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

“It feels so good just knowing we don’t have to see him. He will never be able to return to this office again. He can no longer influence my daily life,” Coleman said. “We’re all just looking forward to moving on from him and his toxicity.”

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

National Press Club President Emily Wilkins also released a statement: