Husband of state Sen. Halseth files for divorce

The husband of state Sen. Elizabeth Halseth, who was arrested on an allegation of open and gross lewdness against his wife last month, filed for divorce last week, according to Clark County court records.

Daniel Halseth is listed as the plaintiff in a complaint for divorce filed on Tuesday, court records show.

Elizabeth Halseth did not return phone calls seeking comment Sunday night.

The estranged couple's three children were listed on the document.

Las Vegas police arrested Daniel Halseth on Oct. 21 after going to the couple's home to check on the Republican lawmaker's welfare when her mother was unable to reach her, according to an arrest report.

Elizabeth Halseth previously had told her mother that her husband -- whom she described as becoming controlling -- had taken her phone, purse and car keys.

Police were trying to break into the Halseths' house in the southwest valley when the couple arrived home from church, where they had gone for counseling.

Halseth, R-Las Vegas, told police that five days earlier her husband, in an act of jealousy, had touched her against her will. Daniel Halseth told police he had been trying to scare his wife to get her attention.

Both agreed the incident ended when he said it was a joke.

Open and gross lewdness is a gross misdemeanor under Nevada law. The offense can lead to jail time but usually does not .

The Halseths have been married 11 years.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.