At a Glance
- Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is accused of having an affair with her married bodyguard, Matthew Ammel
- The lawsuit seeks $25,000 under North Carolina’s Alienation of Affection law
- Messages, gifts, and joint travel are cited as evidence of the alleged relationship
- Why it matters: The case could test the limits of the rarely-used law and impact Sinema’s post-Senate reputation
Former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is being sued for $25,000 by the ex-wife of her former bodyguard, who claims the politician had an affair with her husband while he was married.
The federal lawsuit, filed in North Carolina by Heather Ammel, alleges Sinema engaged in “intentional and malicious interference” in the marriage. Matthew Ammel, an Army veteran, began working on Sinema’s Senate security detail in April 2022.
The Allegations
The lawsuit claims Sinema and Matthew engaged in “repeated episodes of sexual intercourse” during his marriage. Matthew retired from the Army in 2022 and was hired as one of Sinema’s bodyguards that same year.
Key timeline points:
- April 2022: Matthew joins Sinema’s security team
- Late 2023: Sinema invites Matthew to U2 concert in Las Vegas
- June 2024: Matthew attends wedding as Sinema’s “security and guest”
- October 2024: Heather confronts Sinema via text message
- November 2024: Matthew moves out after Saudi Arabia trip
The Evidence
Heather discovered frequent Signal messages between the two in 2024. The lawsuit states these messages were “of romantic and lascivious natures.”
Specific exchanges allegedly include:
- An image of Sinema in a towel
- Offers to help Matthew with mental health
- Suggestions to bring MDMA on a work trip
- Discussions about sexual positions
Sinema allegedly purchased Matthew a Theragun to “bring to her apartment so she could ‘work on his back.'”
The Las Vegas Trip
In late 2023, Matthew joined Sinema’s security detail for a U2 concert at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Sinema described the trip as a “gift,” and Matthew used the opportunity to introduce Sinema to Heather.
The group visited Cindy McCain’s suite after the concert. Sinema allegedly asked Heather, “Did you ever think you would be drinking Dom Perignon in Cindy McCain’s suite?”
Employment Changes
After about a year, Sinema’s head of security resigned due to concerns about Sinema’s relationships with bodyguards. Though encouraged to leave, Matthew stayed for financial stability.
In June 2024, Sinema gave Matthew a salary position as a defense and national security fellow on her Senate staff. This occurred the same month they attended a wedding together.
The Confrontation
In October 2024, Sinema reportedly messaged Matthew: “I miss you. Putting my hand on your heart. I’ll see you soon.”
Heather saw the message and replied: “Are you having an affair with my husband? You took a married man away from his family.”
After returning from Saudi Arabia in November 2024, Matthew moved out and the couple separated.
The Law
Heather is seeking damages under North Carolina’s alienation of affection statute. This law allows a spouse to sue a third party for intentionally breaking up their marriage.
Neither Sinema nor her representative immediately responded to News Of Losangeles‘s request for comment.
Key Takeaways
- The lawsuit provides detailed allegations of an affair between Sinema and her employee
- Digital evidence includes messages, photos, and travel records
- The case could have implications for workplace relationships in political offices
- Sinema, who retired from Congress in 2025, faces potential financial liability
