Las Vegas official arrested in connection with journalist's death
The late journalist Jeff German on the Las Vegas Strip in June 2021. Photo: K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Police said Wednesday evening they arrested a suspect in the stabbing death of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German.
Driving the news: The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a short statement that a suspect had been taken into custody. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo told the Review-Journal the arrested suspect was Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, a Democrat.
- Review-Journal reporter Brett Clarkson shared video online of Telles, 45, being taken into an ambulance on a stretcher surrounded by police.
- Clark County District Attorney Steven Wolfson told the New York Times Telles was taken into custody on suspicion of murder.
The big picture: German, 69, who was found dead outside his home on Saturday, "spent months reporting" on Telles' oversight of the public administrator's office following allegations of bullying, favoritism and a relationship with a staffer, per the Review-Journal. Telles denied the claims.
- Telles was elected in 2018, but lost a June primary after German's reporting.
- Police issued a search warrant at Telles' home earlier Wednesday.
What's next: Telles was due to appear in court on Thursday afternoon, per CNN.
What they're saying: Review-Journal executive editor Glenn Cook said in a statement that Telles' arrest was both "an enormous relief and an outrage" for the outlet's newsroom.
- "We are relieved Telles is in custody and outraged that a colleague appears to have been killed for reporting on an elected official," Cook said. "Journalists can't do the important work our communities require if they are afraid a presentation of facts could lead to violent retribution."
- Cook thanked police for their response, adding: "Now, hopefully, the Review-Journal, the German family and Jeff’s many friends can begin the process of mourning and honoring a great man and a brave reporter."
- Representatives for Telles could not immediately be reached for comment.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.