The home of a Democratic public official has been searched in connection to the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German.
German had recently written several stories about Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, 45, exposing an alleged affair and thwarting his re-election campaign.
PHOTOS: Outgoing Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles enters his garage as reporters try to ask him questions, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Steel Brooks/Las Vegas Review-Journal) pic.twitter.com/ZrS45hLObr
— Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) September 7, 2022
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has said that they believe German, 69, was in an altercation with someone before being stabbed to death.
German had spoken to whistleblowers from Telles’ office who alleged that the work environment was “toxic” and that he was having an affair with a member of his staff.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, the investigative reporter had recently put in Freedom of Information Act requests for communications between Telles and Assistant Public Administrator Rita Reid, estate coordinator Roberta Lee-Kennett, and consultant Michael Murphy.
Lee-Kennett, 45, German alleged, was the subordinate in an “inappropriate relationship” with the official. Both parties have denied the allegations.
Police had been searching for a GMC Yukon Denali with chrome handles and a sunroof, manufactured between 2007 to 2014. German’s colleagues at the Review-Journal had taken photos of Telles washing a vehicle matching the description on Tuesday. His home was searched the following day and the vehicle in question was parked outside.
Police activity https://t.co/zpEaTnNBnO
— Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) September 8, 2022
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Capt. Dori Koren told the Daily Mail, “We do have some leads. We are pursuing a suspect but the suspect is outstanding.”
The Review-Journal was at Telles’ home during the search, tweeting photos and videos.
When Telles arrived at his home at approximately 2:20 p.m., he was wearing what appeared to be a white hazmat suit. A reporter from the outlet attempted to question the official but did not receive a response.
Robert Telles just arrived at his house. Reporters asked him if he had any comment. I asked why police towed his vehicle. He had no comment. Story: https://t.co/3CSa7B4XeS pic.twitter.com/tgQ7JuI9BX
— Brett Clarkson (@BrettClarkson_) September 7, 2022
“The GMC vehicle and a second vehicle were towed from Telles’ property at about 12:50 p.m on Wednesday. The residence is less than 6 miles from the home where German was found dead on Saturday,” the Review-Journal reported.
Robert Telles just arrived at his house. Reporters asked him if he had any comment. I asked why police towed his vehicle. He had no comment. Story: https://t.co/3CSa7B4XeS pic.twitter.com/tgQ7JuI9BX
— Brett Clarkson (@BrettClarkson_) September 7, 2022
Telles had tweeted about German several times.
Oh shoot. I left a pizza box and sushi containers in the trash. In the next article, I’m going to have mob and yakuza ties. 😂
— Rob Telles (@RobTellesLV) June 18, 2022
Typical bully. Can’t take a pound of critism after slinging 100 pounds of BS. Up to article #4 now. You’d think he’d have better things to do. 😜
— Rob Telles (@RobTellesLV) June 25, 2022
German had worked at the Review-Journal since 2010.