Judge grants motion to remove from office public official accused in journalist's murder

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A judge on Wednesday granted Clark County's motion to remove from office the public official charged with killing a Las Vegas journalist.

Judge David Jones heard arguments from the District Attorney's office and an attorney for Robert Telles on whether Clark County had grounds to request Telles's dismissal from the office of public administrator.

Judge David Jones asked Telles’ counsel how Telles could do his job as the head of the public administrator’s office while detained.

His counsel argued that Telles sent over a power of attorney and was doing the best he could under the circumstances now that he had access to video and a phone.

Judge Jones questioned whether that’s enough for the public administrator role.

He also posed the question as to why Telles cannot afford a private attorney if he’s still working.

He guessed Telles was making $10,000 per month.

The judge referred to a signed financial affidavit multiple times that says Telles expected to lose his job due to his conduct and wouldn’t have any income.

Jones acknowledged Telles is still innocent, but ultimately agreed that he was neglecting the position’s responsibilities.

“He himself said ‘I expect based upon my conduct, based up what I have provided to the county in my conduct that I’m going to be released from my own position. I expect that to happen.’ That speaks volumes to this court,” Jones said.

Telles remains held at Clark County Detention Center without bail on a charge of open murder following his arrest in the death of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German. Wednesday's hearing was originally scheduled for Sept. 28 but was pushed back to give Telles's attorney, Travis Shetler, more time to respond.

Authorities have alleged that Telles's DNA was found on German's body during an autopsy and evidence was found in his home connecting him to the killing.

Prosecutors said German's reporting on strife in the public administrator's office likely contributed to his loss in June's Democratic primary election.

The county filed to remove Telles from office last month, arguing that his ongoing detention makes him incapable of performing his duties. Telles's attorney, Travis Shetler, had filed a motion to dismiss Tuesday night and said during Wednesday's hearing that Telles has tried to do the best he can while in jail.

A county spokesperson released a statement following Judge Jones's decision:

Clark County two weeks ago filed to remove Robert Telles from office as the elected Public Administrator. In the County’s filing, Clark County asserted that following the charge of open murder in the death of Jeff German, Robert Telles was unable to fulfill his job responsibilities and was neglectful of office. Today, a judge agreed and removed Telles from elected office. The County will now move forward in appointing someone to fulfill the end of Telles’ term which expires on January 1, 2023, when the new Public Administrator elected this November takes office.

A spokesperson with Clark County said they will now appoint someone to take over the public administrator role until January 1st.

A new public administrator will be elected this November.