Robert Telles, a former Las Vegas-area Democratic official, is set to take the stand in his own defense on Wednesday, despite his attorneys advising him against it. Telles has been charged with the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German, who wrote critical articles about Telles and his workplace conduct.
On Tuesday, Telles told Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt that he understands he has no obligation to testify, but has chosen to do so anyway. “Mr. Telles, you understand you have heard all of the evidence that the state intends to present in this case,” the judge asked. Telles responded, “Yes, your honor.”
Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, said that his client has insisted on testifying, despite the risks of being questioned by prosecutors. “He’s entitled to his defense,” Draskovich said. “This is the defense that he wants to present.”
The prosecution rested its case on Monday after presenting four days of evidence, including testimony from 28 witnesses and hundreds of pages of photos, police reports, and video evidence. Telles’ DNA was found beneath German’s fingernails, and police discovered hundreds of photos of German’s home and identity records on Telles’ cellphone and computer.
Telles has maintained his innocence throughout the trial, but has not provided an alibi for the time of the murder. His attorneys may call three additional witnesses, including one who may corroborate Telles’ claim that he visited a local gym on the day of the murder.
German’s family and friends have been in attendance throughout the trial, but have declined to speak to the media. German was a well-respected journalist who spent 44 years covering Las Vegas mobsters and public officials.
Telles’ testimony is expected to take more than a day, and will likely be the final piece of evidence presented in his defense. The jury will then deliberate on whether Telles is guilty of German’s murder.
