Ex-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sued for allegedly breaking up bodyguard’s marriage
Former US Senator Kyrsten Sinema is facing a lawsuit alleging she had a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail that led to the end of his marriage. The lawsuit, filed by Matthew Ammel’s ex-wife Heather Ammel, seeks at least $75,000 in damages.
Heather Ammel claims the couple had “a good and loving marriage” with “genuine love and affection” before Sinema allegedly pursued Matthew Ammel despite knowing he was married.
According to the lawsuit, Matthew Ammel, who retired from the Army in 2022, was hired by Sinema’s head of security and accompanied her on trips to Napa Valley, California; Las Vegas; and Saudi Arabia.
The complaint says that in early 2024, Heather Ammel discovered “romantic and lascivious” messages exchanged between her husband and Sinema via the Signal app. That summer, Ammel reportedly stopped wearing his wedding ring, and Sinema allegedly gave him a position as a national security fellow in her Senate office while he continued serving as a campaign bodyguard.
The lawsuit also alleges Sinema paid for psychedelic treatment for Ammel, who has struggled with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injuries stemming from military service in Afghanistan and the Middle East.