A former Democratic official was sentenced Wednesday to a minimum of 28 years in a Nevada state prison for the murder of an investigative journalist.

AP News reports that reporter Jeff German had published articles two years ago, criticizing Las Vegas-area official Robert Telles’ actions in office and revealing a personal relationship with a female.

The judge increased the minimum 20-years-to-life sentence set by the jury in August, adding eight years due to sentencing enhancements for the use of a deadly weapon and the reporter’s age. The jury had found Robert Telles guilty of first-degree murder.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Telles, who oversaw a county office responsible for unclaimed estates and probate matters, was arrested and held days after German’s murder. He lost his elected role a few weeks later.

“I understand the desire to seek justice and hold somebody accountable for this,” the defendant said during court. “But I did not kill Mr. German.”

Telles claimed he was out for a walk and at the gym when German was murdered. However, evidence showed that his wife texted him around that time, asking, “Where are you?”

Prosecutors stated that Telles purposely left his phone at home to prevent tracking.

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[Featured image: Left, Jeff German/Wikicommons and Robert Telles/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department]