Allegations Against Former Senator Sinema: Affair with Bodyguard Erupts in Lawsuit
Former Arizona Senator Krysten Sinema faces serious allegations regarding an affair with one of her former bodyguards, Matthew Ammel, which purportedly contributed to the collapse of his 14-year marriage. The situation has escalated into a lawsuit filed by Ammel’s ex-wife, Heather Ammel, raising questions about Sinema’s conduct after her time in office.
Background on Krysten Sinema
Senator Krysten Sinema served a single term as a senator from Arizona, during which she became a controversial figure within the Senate, particularly among her own party. With a reputation for challenging Senate Democrats, Sinema opposed:
- Filibuster reform
- Higher taxes for corporations and wealthy individuals
- An increase in the federal minimum wage
A notable moment during her tenure was her curtsy as she voted against a minimum wage increase, which solidified her reputation for being unorthodox.
Post-Senate Career
Since leaving office in early 2023, Sinema has transitioned to lobbying for artificial intelligence companies and has joined a law firm in Washington, D.C. As she eyed a potential re-election campaign for 2024, her political career faced abrupt changes with the emergence of Ruben Gallego as a Democratic primary challenger, ultimately leading to her decision not to seek a second term.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed in a North Carolina county court, accuses Sinema of "willfully and intentionally" attempting to alienate Matthew Ammel from his wife. This legal action is based on the "alienation of affection" doctrine, a common law rule allowing spouses to sue third parties for emotional distress caused by their partner’s infidelity. This type of lawsuit is limited to a few states, including North Carolina, Mississippi, Hawaii, South Dakota, and Utah.
Key Allegations
Heather Ammel asserts several key points in her lawsuit:
- Initial Employment: Matthew Ammel began working for Sinema in 2022 after retiring from the military, dealing with personal challenges such as substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Marriage Breakdown: The couple married in 2010 but separated in 2024, with Heather alleging that their once-active sexual relationship deteriorated due to Sinema’s influence.
- Allegations of Interference: According to Heather, Sinema engaged in “intentional and malicious interference” during their marriage. These claims are supported by testimonies from within Sinema’s security detail.
Timeline of Events
- 2022: Matthew began his role with Sinema’s security team.
- 2023: A member of Sinema’s security detail purportedly suggested that Sinema was having relationships with her team members.
- Concert Incident: Following a U2 concert where Ammel was assigned to guard Sinema, the group partied in a hotel suite.
- Alleged Messages: In January 2024, it is claimed that Sinema sent “romantic and lascivious” messages, including explicit pictures, via the encrypted app Signal.
What the Lawsuit Claims
Heather Ammel contends that her husband and Sinema have been involved in a romantic relationship and is suing for $75,000. Noteworthy incidents arising from this affair include:
- Text Exchanges: Messages exchanged between Matthew and Sinema reportedly discussed explicit topics and personal advances.
- Discontent in Marriage: Heather describes how her husband’s interactions with Sinema led him to remove his wedding ring to avoid appearing “married,” further complicating the family dynamics.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Krysten Sinema not only introduces a scandal involving personal relationships but also raises ethical questions about the conduct of public officials. As the legal process unfolds, it will be essential to watch how these allegations impact Sinema’s post-political career and any potential political aspirations.
For more details about alienation of affection laws and similar cases, explore resources on legal precedents and historical contexts.
