PHOENIX (AP) — Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema finds herself under fire as a lawsuit claims she had a romantic affair with a member of her security detail, leading to the breakup of his marriage. The complaint, filed by Heather Ammel, seeks at least $75,000 in damages, blurring the lines between personal relationships and professional responsibilities.
According to Heather Ammel, the relationship between her husband, Matthew Ammel, and Sinema developed despite the latter’s knowledge that he was married. Heather described their former life together as one filled with “genuine love and affection,” until Sinema’s interference altered the course of their marriage. “She pursued Matthew despite knowing he was married,” Heather alleges in her lawsuit.
Matthew Ammel, a former Army soldier who joined Sinema’s team after retiring in 2022, reportedly traveled with her to various locations, including Napa Valley, California, Las Vegas, and even Saudi Arabia. These travels raised eyebrows, especially in the context of the personal relationship that blossomed away from the public eye. The lawsuit states that in early 2024, Heather discovered “romantic and lascivious” messages exchanged between her husband and Sinema via the Signal messaging app. This discovery precipitated a profound marital crisis.
As the situation unfolded, Ammel allegedly stopped wearing his wedding ring, a tangible sign of his shifting loyalty. Sinema’s actions reportedly led to Ammel being offered a position as a national security fellow in her Senate office, while he continued his role as her bodyguard during the campaign. This dual role raises questions about conflicts of interest in political spheres.
The lawsuit also mentions that Sinema paid for Matthew Ammel’s psychedelic treatment. He has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injuries from military service in Afghanistan and the Middle East. This relationship, marked by significant personal issues, sheds light on the lengths to which some might go to support those with troubled pasts, even as it invites scrutiny of ethical boundaries.
The legal action has gained traction recently due to its transfer to federal court after being quietly filed last year in North Carolina. This state is known for allowing “alienation of affection” lawsuits, which enable a spouse to sue a third party believed to be responsible for the marital breakdown. This legal maneuver might have larger implications for public perception of Sinema’s behavior and the impact of personal choices on political personas.
Upon leaving Congress after a tumultuous single term marked by controversy, Sinema’s decision to become an independent has further complicated her legacy. Her move away from the Democratic Party alienated a significant portion of her support base. Now, as she works in the lobbying firm Hogan Lovells, her focus includes pushing for data center developments and advocating for research funding for psychedelic drugs like ibogaine.
With these developments drawing national attention, the impact on Sinema’s reputation remains to be seen. The court case hinges not only on personal relationships but also on the ethical standards expected of public figures. As more information emerges, the implications of this lawsuit could resonate beyond the courtroom, influencing the broader discussion about the accountability of elected officials in their personal and professional lives.
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