A woman from Moore County has initiated a lawsuit against former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema. The suit alleges an extramarital affair that contributed to the breakdown of her marriage. Heather Ammel, residing in Whispering Pines, contends that Sinema had an inappropriate relationship with her husband, Matthew Ammel, during his time as Sinema’s security guard.
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit, which is classified as an alienation of affection case, claims that Sinema knowingly seduced Matthew Ammel, undermining his marriage. The specific timeline for these allegations spans from 2023 to 2024. Furthermore, Heather Ammel asserts that Sinema sent provocatively suggestive messages and photographs to Matthew Ammel, clearly crossing professional boundaries.
- Allegations include:
- Sending racy pictures and messages
- Encouraging drug use on work trips
- Inappropriate physical affection at public events
Legal Context and Venue
North Carolina permits alienation of affection claims, but they are rare and typically require proof that a third party is responsible for damaging the marriage. The lawsuit, originally filed in Moore County, has recently transitioned to federal court. It is now being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.
Impact on the Ammel Family
Heather Ammel claims that Sinema’s actions resulted in emotional distress and financial difficulties for her marriage, ultimately leading to their separation in November 2024. Currently, Matthew Ammel resides in Maricopa County, Arizona, while Sinema lives in Cave Creek, Arizona, which is also located within Maricopa County.
Background on Kyrsten Sinema
Kyrsten Sinema, aged 49, was elected to the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in 2018, having served three terms in the U.S. House. She later changed her party affiliation to Independent and was known for her crucial votes in the closely divided Senate. Sinema did not pursue re-election in the 2024 cycle.
Related Cases and Settlements
Alienation of affection lawsuits in North Carolina often conclude in settlements. For instance, notable past cases include a 2021 settlement involving $3 million and another that resulted in a $1.75 million verdict against a TikTok influencer. A similar case involving former North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore was settled after he admitted to an affair but denied any legal misconduct.
While many of these cases are resolved outside of court, they can lead to significant payouts when they are brought before a jury, particularly when high-profile individuals are involved.
