Judge-ordered search ruled illegal

The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday ruled Clark County District Judge Cynthia Dianne Steel issued an illegal and unconstitutional order in requiring a search of the home of a Las Vegas woman.

The court also said Steel "manifestly abused" her discretion in ordering the woman and her ex-husband to submit to lie detector tests to tell who was telling the truth in a fight over property.

Romilda Sarant and Robert Colton were divorced in November 1997 and a division of property made. But Colton complained to Judge Steel later that he did not receive a fair share. Steel ordered a search of Sarant's home. Sarant said the search was conducted and only some minor items were found belonging to her ex-husband. She asked for a writ prohibiting Steel from ordering further inspections of her home.

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