Sinema Sued Over Alleged Secret Affair With Bodyguard, $25k Demanded

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is facing a civil lawsuit filed by Heather Ammel in September of this year.

Ammel alleges that while Sinema was still in office, she engaged in an affair with Matthew, the former bodyguard who had worked for Sinema since 2022. The suit claims the relationship damaged Ammel’s 14‑year marriage.

The complaint was lodged in North Carolina, a state where a jilted spouse can sue someone they believe caused the dissolution of their marriage. Earlier this week, the case was transferred from state court to federal court, widening the potential audience for the claims.

, Matthew began working for Sinema in 2022 and quickly became part of her security detail. She says that over the years he received what she describes as “romantic and lascivious” messages sent through the Signal encrypted messaging app.

The lawsuit claims that during the summer of 2024 Matthew stopped wearing his wedding ring, an action he said was to avoid the appearance that Sinema was “putting her hands on a married man” in public. Ammel also alleges that Sinema encouraged him to bring MDMA on a work trip so she could guide him through a psychedelic experience.

In October 2024, Ammel claims that Sinema texted Matthew about seeing him, to which Ammel replied, “Are you having an affair with my husband? You took a married man away from his family.” The couple announced their separation in November 2024, and Matthew filed for divorce earlier this month.

KSAZ-TV reports that he remains in a relationship with Sinema.

Ammel seeks more than $25,000 in damages, alleging that campaign funds were used to cover travel and other expenses related to the alleged affair.

## Background & Context

Sinema, who represented Arizona in the Senate from 2019 until her term ended in January last year, was known for her moderate stance and bipartisan initiatives. Her office employed a security detail that included Matthew, a former law enforcement officer.

North Carolina is one of only a few states that permits a spouse to sue a third party who allegedly causes marital dissolution. The lawsuit was filed in September and has now been transferred to federal court, a move that may allow broader legal scrutiny.

No public statements have yet been issued by Sinema or her legal team in response to the allegations. The case will proceed under civil court procedures, and both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses.

## What Happens Next

With the case now in federal court, the next steps include discovery, where each side will exchange documents and depose witnesses. The court will also set dates for any pre‑trial motions.

If the lawsuit proceeds, it could test whether campaign funds may be used for personal expenses. The case also highlights how personal relationships can intersect with public office responsibilities.

The final outcome will depend on evidence presented and any settlements reached before trial. Ammel is pursuing a monetary award, while Sinema’s position remains unclear at this time.

The lawsuit underscores the legal avenues available to spouses who believe they have been harmed by the actions of a third party. As the case moves forward, observers will watch for how the court addresses claims involving campaign finances and personal conduct.