Clark County settles lawsuit with Telles employees for $375K

Three women who worked under the disgraced former public administrator will receive the settlement.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the consequences of abuse of power.The settlement of a lawsuit by former employees of a disgraced public official underscores the lasting impact of abuse of power.Las Vegas Today

The Clark County Board of Commissioners is expected to approve a $375,000 settlement with three former employees of disgraced public administrator Robert Telles. The employees filed a federal complaint claiming Telles created a hostile work environment before his arrest and removal from office for the murder of a Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter.

Why it matters

The settlement resolves a lawsuit that highlighted the toxic work culture under Telles' leadership and the county's initial low-ball settlement offer, which was criticized as disrespectful to the employees. The case underscores the fallout from Telles' criminal actions and the importance of addressing workplace misconduct, especially in elected offices that serve the public.

The details

Four of Telles' former employees filed a federal complaint alleging he discriminated, harassed, and retaliated against them after they reported his behavior to the county. When Telles became aware of the formal complaints, he allegedly retaliated further against the employees involved. The county initially offered a $100,000 settlement, which the employees criticized as inadequate, before the parties reached the $375,000 agreement through mediation.

  • In 2022, Telles killed Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German.
  • In 2024, a jury found Telles guilty and he was sentenced to a minimum of 28 years in prison.
  • In 2025, the county offered a $100,000 settlement to the former employees, which they rejected as 'disrespectful'.
  • In 2026, the county is expected to approve a $375,000 settlement with the three former employees.

The players

Robert Telles

The former Clark County public administrator who was convicted of murdering a Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter in 2022 and is currently serving a prison sentence.

Jeff German

The 69-year-old Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter who was killed by Telles in 2022 after writing unflattering stories about Telles and the office he ran.

Clark County Board of Commissioners

The governing body of Clark County, Nevada, which is expected to approve the $375,000 settlement with Telles' former employees.

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What they’re saying

“The litigation with Clark County concludes. Our clients' focus now is on faithfully continuing their work and keeping our community's trust.”

— Taylor Jorgensen and Andre Lagomarsino, Attorneys for the former Telles employees

What’s next

The Clark County Board of Commissioners is expected to approve the $375,000 settlement with the three former Telles employees at their next meeting on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of addressing workplace misconduct, especially in elected offices that serve the public. The settlement resolves a lawsuit that exposed the toxic work culture under Telles' leadership and the county's initial inadequate response, underscoring the need for greater accountability and transparency in government.