Sinema Faces Lawsuit Alleging Role in Security Detail Member’s Divorce
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A lawsuit filed in North carolina alleges that former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema engaged in a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail, contributing to the dissolution of his marriage. The suit, brought by heather Ammel, seeks at least $75,000 in damages from Sinema.
The legal action claims that Matthew adn Heather Ammel enjoyed “a good and loving marriage” characterized by “genuine love and affection” before Sinema’s alleged interference. According to the lawsuit, Sinema pursued Matthew Ammel despite being aware of his marital status.
From Military Service to Senate Detail
Matthew Ammel’s transition from military service played a key role in the events outlined in the lawsuit. Following his retirement from the army in 2022, he was hired by Sinema’s head of security. The lawsuit details that ammel afterward accompanied the Arizona lawmaker on travels to destinations including Napa Valley, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Saudi Arabia.
Discovery of Messages and Subsequent Employment
The alleged relationship came to light in early 2024 when ammel’s wife discovered “romantic and lascivious” messages exchanged between her husband and Sinema via the Signal messaging app.The lawsuit further alleges that Ammel stopped wearing his wedding ring that summer. Shortly thereafter, Sinema reportedly offered Ammel a position as a national security fellow in her Senate office, while he simultaneously continued to work for her campaign as a bodyguard.
Support for Mental Health Treatment
The lawsuit also alleges that Sinema funded psychedelic treatment for Ammel, who reportedly struggles with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injuries stemming from his military deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Sinema and her legal counsel have not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
Legal Strategy and North Carolina Law
The lawsuit was initially filed quietly in Moore County,North Carolina,late last year. This week, Sinema filed a motion to move the case from state court to federal court.North Carolina is one of a limited number of states that recognize the legal concept of “alienation of affection,” allowing a former spouse to seek damages from a third party deemed responsible for the breakup of a marriage.
Sinema’s Post-Senate Career
Sinema left congress after the 2024 election, choosing not to seek re-election to the Senate after a single, often contentious term. She increasingly distanced herself from conservative factions and ultimately left the democratic party to register as an self-reliant. She is now employed by the Washington-based legal and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells, where she has focused on lobbying efforts related to data center development and research funding for the psychedelic drug ibogaine.
Why: Heather Ammel is suing Kyrsten Sinema, alleging the former senator engaged in a romantic relationship with her husband, Matthew Ammel, leading to the end of their marriage.
Who: Heather Ammel (plaintiff), Kyrsten Sinema (defendant), matthew Ammel (involved party).
what: The lawsuit seeks at least $75,000 in damages from Sinema under North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law.
How did it end?: The case is ongoing. Sinema has filed a motion to move the case to federal court, and has not publicly commented on the allegations. The outcome remains uncertain.
