Kyrsten Sinema Admits to Romantic Relationship with Married Security Guard
Former US Senator Kyrsten Sinema has acknowledged in court documents that she engaged in a "romantic and intimate" relationship with a married man who served on her security detail during her final year in office. However, she is contesting a lawsuit filed against her under North Carolina's so-called "homewrecker" law, arguing that the case should be dismissed due to jurisdictional issues.
Legal Battle Over Multi-State Affair
In filings submitted on March 12, Sinema responded to a federal lawsuit brought by Heather Ammel, the estranged wife of security guard Matthew Joseph Ammel. Heather alleges that Sinema deliberately interfered in her marriage, leading to its breakdown. Sinema, however, maintains that she has no connection to North Carolina, where the Ammel family resided, and that all intimate encounters occurred outside the state.
Sinema detailed in sworn statements that she was "physically intimate" with Matthew in several locations, including:
- Sonoma, California, in late May 2024
- New York
- Washington DC
- Aspen, Colorado
- Phoenix, Arizona
She emphasized that 100% of her communications with Matthew, via phone and email, took place when he was outside North Carolina, primarily related to his security duties involving frequent travel. Sinema claims she was unaware of Matthew's North Carolina residence until December 2023, over a year after he began working for her.
Allegations and Denials in the Case
Heather's lawsuit describes a previously "good and loving marriage" that was disrupted by Sinema's actions. She accuses Sinema of pursuing Matthew despite knowing he was married, citing messages of a romantic and lascivious nature, including an alleged photo of Sinema wrapped in a towel. Additionally, Heather alleges that Sinema paid for psychedelic treatment for Matthew, a US army veteran dealing with post-traumatic stress and other issues.
Sinema denies sending any towel photo and states she has "no recollection" of suggesting Matthew bring MDMA drugs on a work trip for a psychedelic experience. The case has also drawn attention to Sinema's campaign finances, with documents showing payments to Matthew and unusual expenditures, such as hotels in Saudi Arabia and gifts from Taylor Swift's store.
Background and Broader Implications
North Carolina is among the few US states where spouses can sue third parties for alienation of affection. Sinema argues the lawsuit should be dropped because the affair unfolded exclusively outside the state. This legal dispute has reignited public interest in Sinema, a former Democrat turned independent who served one Senate term and was known as a bipartisan deal-maker, often frustrating Democratic colleagues during Joe Biden's presidency.
Since leaving the Senate, Sinema has worked as a senior adviser at Hogan Lovells, focusing on issues like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. She has also been vocal about her advocacy for psychedelic medicine, including personal ibogaine treatment. Recently, she announced a role as a columnist for the conservative Washington Reporter, highlighting her continued involvement in policy debates.
