UPDATED 9/8/2022, 6:05am, from original version of story published 9/7/2022
The media’s relationship with government is one that has had its moments over the years, as the watchdog element of that media seeks to hold government officials accountable for their actions and decisions. It appears, though, that such an effort by one Las Vegas newspaper reporter may have resulted in his death – allegedly at the hands of a local government leader.
According to KLAS-TV, police in Nevada’s largest city arrested Clark County, NV, Adminstrator Robert Telles at his home last night, and charged him with one count of open murder with a deadly weapon, in connection with the death of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German, who was found dead several days ago, the victim of a stabbing. The arrest capped off what was a stunning day of events surrounding Telles and his alleged role in this case.
Police were at Telles’ residence in Las Vegas for most of the day yesterday serving a search warrant related to the case. Telles, a Democrat, was ousted from office during the Nevada state primary election in June, and it is believed part of the reason for that stemmed from articles written by German and published in the newspaper alleging hostile workplace conditions within the county administrator’s office.
The TV station reported he was first taken to a local hospital with apparent self-inflicted wounds, but was expected to be in court this afternoon to face the charge. Sources told KLAS that Telles’ DNA was linked in some fashion to the crime scene, and a vehicle that police were looking for in relation to the case matched a car at Telles’ residence. According to the TV station, that car was towed from Telles’ house as evidence.
In addition, KLAS reported of the existence of several Twitter posts allegedly written by Telles criticizing the reporter for continuing to investigate him and these alleged issues in his office.