A federal lawsuit in North Carolina has implicated former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema in a controversial case of alleged alienation of affection. The suit, initiated by Heather Ammel, accuses Sinema of engaging in a romantic relationship with her husband, Matthew Ammel, a member of Sinema’s security team. This relationship allegedly contributed to the dissolution of their marriage.
Details of the Allegations
Heather Ammel’s complaint outlines various actions that she claims express Sinema’s affection for her husband. Among the allegations are:
- Gifting a Theragun personal massager to Matthew Ammel.
- Sharing drinks in high-profile settings, such as Sydney McCain’s suite at a U2 concert.
- Encouraging him to procure MDMA for a psychedelic experience.
- Attending a Taylor Swift concert together.
The lawsuit, seeking damages for alienation of affection, was initially filed in Moore County Superior Court in September 2023. It gained public attention after being transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. Sinema currently resides in Arizona.
Background of the Case
Matthew Ammel, an Army veteran, has filed for divorce, citing issues related to mental health stemming from his military service. He began working for Sinema’s security detail in 2022, and Heather Ammel alleges that prior to his employment, she was warned about potential inappropriate conduct between Sinema and her staff.
Interestingly, Heather’s complaint highlights a significant change in Sinema’s political career. Once elected as a Democrat in 2018, Sinema became known for her opposition to key Democratic initiatives, creating tensions within her party. After leaving the Democratic Party in 2022, she declared herself an independent but did not seek re-election in 2024.
Communication and Alleged Infidelity
The lawsuit presents evidence of frequent communications between Sinema and Matthew Ammel. According to the complaint, the two exchanged suggestive messages and personal photos through encrypted messaging. This included comments made during the 2024 State of the Union address, where Sinema expressed disdain for President Biden’s speech.
As their relationship allegedly progressed, Matthew Ammel’s personal life began to unravel. In May 2024, Sinema arranged for his “psychedelic treatment” in Nashville and purchased items intended for intimate settings. Reports indicate that by October, Ammel attended a concert with Sinema after arranging for his wife and children to be present at the same event.
Impact on Family Relations
Following a trip to Saudi Arabia with Sinema, Matthew reportedly separated from Heather Ammel. Both parties are currently engaged in a contentious legal battle over custody of their children and division of assets. Heather Ammel argues that the relationship between her husband and Sinema led to significant emotional strain within the family.
For her case to succeed, Heather does not need to provide evidence of an explicit affair but must prove that Sinema intentionally disrupted their marriage. As this high-profile case unfolds, it continues to draw attention to the unique legal standards surrounding allegations of alienation of affection in North Carolina.
As of now, there has been no public response from Sinema or her legal team regarding these allegations.
