Clark County Settles $375K Lawsuit Over Ignored Complaints Against Convicted Killer Telles

Early Signs of a Toxic Environment (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Las Vegas – Aleisha Goodwin, a longtime employee in the Clark County Public Administrator’s Office, expressed exhaustion after reaching a settlement with the county in a long-running dispute tied to former boss Robert Telles. Telles, now serving a 28-year-to-life sentence for murdering investigative reporter Jeff German, had faced multiple complaints for creating a hostile workplace. The agreement marks a partial resolution for Goodwin and two colleagues, though litigation with Telles persists.[1][2]

Early Signs of a Toxic Environment

Robert Telles assumed the role of Clark County Public Administrator in January 2019. Employees soon reported troubling behaviors, including intimidation, degradation, and unwanted advances toward younger female staff. Aleisha Goodwin filed the first formal complaint in August 2020, supported by colleagues Jessica Coleman, Noraine Pagdanganan, and Rita Reid.[1]

Additional complaints followed in September 2020 from Pagdanganan and Coleman, who described retaliatory actions after rejecting Telles’ interest. The county’s human resources division interviewed the women but closed the cases without further investigation, deeming them moot after Telles’ arrest in German’s murder. No review of Telles’ workplace communications occurred at the time.[1]

Jeff German’s Reporting Ignites Scrutiny

Investigative journalist Jeff German took up the employees’ cause in May 2022. His stories detailed office tensions, bullying allegations, and Telles’ affair with a subordinate, evidenced by thousands of messages later obtained by authorities. The coverage contributed to Telles losing his re-election primary to Reid that same month.[1]

Tragedy struck in September 2022 when German, aged 69, was stabbed to death outside his home. Prosecutors linked the killing to Telles’ grudge over the reporting. A jury convicted Telles in August 2024; he now appeals from prison.[2]

Federal Lawsuit Targets County and Telles

In May 2024, the four women filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court for Nevada. They accused Clark County of failing to protect them and vicariously liable for Telles’ actions. Specific claims included a hostile work environment, age discrimination against Reid, religious discrimination against Goodwin, and retaliation.[1]

• Intimidation and isolation of non-compliant employees
• Sexual advances and favoritism toward reciprocators
• Retaliation via poor performance reviews and exclusion
• County inaction despite multiple HR reports

Telles, representing himself, responded with a countersuit alleging slander and false claims. The women dismissed their claims against him, but his countersuit advanced to discovery.[2]

Negotiations Lead to County Payout

Clark County first proposed $100,000 in May 2025, which plaintiffs rejected as insufficient. Pagdanganan accepted a separate $10,000 offer of judgment around that time. Negotiations intensified, culminating in a $375,000 deal for the remaining three, approved unanimously by commissioners on April 7, 2026, via consent agenda.[1][2]

Attorney Taylor Jorgensen noted, “While no amount of money can change or fix what happened, my clients are looking forward to closing this chapter of litigation with the County and focusing on their service to the public.”[2] Reid, now public administrator and planning retirement, emphasized the suit’s goal to improve employee protections.

Telles’ Countersuit Lingers from Prison

Goodwin received the largest share, reflecting her early complaints. Yet she told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “I don’t want to fight anymore.” The countersuit from Telles remains active, prolonging the ordeal despite his incarceration.[3]

All plaintiffs continue working in the office under Reid’s leadership. The case underscores accountability gaps in public offices and the high cost of inaction.

This resolution offers financial relief but highlights enduring scars from a once-toxic workplace. What do you think about the county’s handling of these complaints? Tell us in the comments.