LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Robert Telles appeared in court on Wednesday morning for a second hearing on his request for evidence from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Telles, who is representing himself, told Judge Michelle Leavitt that attorneys representing LVMPD failed to provide the various "objects and documents" mentioned in more than 22 subpoenas filed last month.
Judge Leavitt, who Telles previously asked to be removed from the case, told Telles that evidence was not provided since he filed the subpoenas without a court order. Attorneys representing LVMPD even suggested to the judge that they were willing to provide the evidence, but did not due to the lack of a court order.
Judge Michelle Leavitt told Telles his request was "inappropriate" and he would have to receive a court order if he wants to obtain the information requested.
"You can issue a subpoena after getting a court order," Leavitt said.
In the 27-page motion filed on March 31, Telles requested various search warrants and evidence obtained during Metro's investigation into the death of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter, Jeff German, who Telles is accused of murdering.
In the subpoenas submitted by Telles earlier this month, he alleges that LVMPD officers "knowingly and willfully engaged in misconduct" before and during Telles' arrest. He claims the evidence he's seeking should be suppressed from the upcoming trial since they were "unlawfully obtained."
Telles claims the evidence would prove him innocent and show Metro engaged in misconduct in his case.
"All video and notes from the traffic stop will prove I was unlawfully pulled over and detained," said Telles in court.
Attorneys representing the Las Vegas Review-Journal filed an emergency petition soon after to quash the subpoenas, citing concerns about releasing confidential data from German's devices. Also, the Review-Journal wants to ensure information from German's phone or devices remains protected by a temporary restraining order issued by the Nevada Supreme Court.
"We did want to circle back with the detectives to make sure we got every updated report and then we will provide all of that," said the prosecutor.
Telles also alleged that several CCDC officers were engaging in "cruel and unusual punishment" against himself and other inmates in a previous hearing. To address this, Telles filed an additional motion requesting "better accommodations" at CCDC, which was denied by Judge Leavitt.
During Wednesday's hearing, Martina Bauhaus, the Assistant General Counsel for LVMPD, suggested that Telles' "concerns" about misconduct in both CCDC and LVMPD would be better addressed in a civil lawsuit.
"Rarely will the defense seek something that Metro has an independent objection to," said Metro's attorney. "If it's relevant in the criminal case and the D.A. decides it is, then of course Mr. Telles should have it."
Judge Leavitt continued the hearing on Telles' motion for two weeks. Telles is due back in court on May 3.
He is currently being held at Clark County Detention Center without bail.
