Raleigh, N.C. (AP) — Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema acknowledges a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail, which reportedly began while she was still in office. Sinema is now facing a lawsuit from the bodyguard's ex-wife, Heather Ammel, who alleges that Sinema is to blame for the breakdown of their marriage. The lawsuit, filed in North Carolina federal court, seeks financial damages and points to the state's specific laws facilitating 'alienation of affection' claims.
Heather Ammel claims that her marriage with Matthew Ammel was loving and strong until Sinema allegedly interfered. In a declaration submitted on March 7, Sinema stated that her affair with Matthew Ammel developed into a romantic relationship in late May 2024 and involved physical intimacy over the following months across various states.
The Ammels reportedly separated in November 2024, after which Heather Ammel maintained that Sinema pursued her husband, knowingly disregarding his marital status. Sinema’s legal counsel contends that her actions do not warrant legal repercussions since Matthew had already moved out and the marriage was in dissolution.
Matthew Ammel was initially hired as part of Sinema's security detail after retiring from the Army in 2022. Tensions escalated for the Ammels when, in early 2024, Heather discovered romantic messages exchanged between her husband and Sinema on a messaging app. With subsequent actions such as Matthew ceasing to wear his wedding ring and accepting a staff position under Sinema while retaining his role as her bodyguard, the foundation of this lawsuit was laid.
The case, originally launched in September in state court, was escalated to federal court in January. Sinema, who did not seek reelection for her Senate seat after a tenure that included a controversial departure from the Democratic Party to declare as an independent, now works in a legal and lobbying firm in Washington.
Heather Ammel claims that her marriage with Matthew Ammel was loving and strong until Sinema allegedly interfered. In a declaration submitted on March 7, Sinema stated that her affair with Matthew Ammel developed into a romantic relationship in late May 2024 and involved physical intimacy over the following months across various states.
The Ammels reportedly separated in November 2024, after which Heather Ammel maintained that Sinema pursued her husband, knowingly disregarding his marital status. Sinema’s legal counsel contends that her actions do not warrant legal repercussions since Matthew had already moved out and the marriage was in dissolution.
Matthew Ammel was initially hired as part of Sinema's security detail after retiring from the Army in 2022. Tensions escalated for the Ammels when, in early 2024, Heather discovered romantic messages exchanged between her husband and Sinema on a messaging app. With subsequent actions such as Matthew ceasing to wear his wedding ring and accepting a staff position under Sinema while retaining his role as her bodyguard, the foundation of this lawsuit was laid.
The case, originally launched in September in state court, was escalated to federal court in January. Sinema, who did not seek reelection for her Senate seat after a tenure that included a controversial departure from the Democratic Party to declare as an independent, now works in a legal and lobbying firm in Washington.
