NEW: Ex-Dem Senator Accused Of Breaking Up Woman’s Marriage After Psychedelic-Infused Affair With Subordinate

Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is accused of having a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail that allegedly wrecked his marriage, according to a lawsuit seeking at least $75,000 in damages.

Matthew and Heather Ammel had “a good and loving marriage” marked by “genuine love and affection” before Sinema intervened, Heather Ammel alleged. The suit claims Sinema pursued Matthew Ammel despite knowing he was married.

According to the filing, Sinema’s head of security hired Ammel after he retired from the Army in 2022. He then traveled with the Arizona lawmaker to destinations that included Napa Valley, Calif., Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia.

In early 2024, Ammel’s wife discovered “romantic and lascivious” messages he had exchanged with Sinema on the Signal messaging app, the lawsuit said. By that summer, Ammel had stopped wearing his wedding ring, and Sinema brought him into her Senate office as a national security fellow while he continued working as a bodyguard on her campaign, the suit alleged.

The lawsuit also claims Sinema paid for psychedelic treatment for Ammel, who has struggled with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and traumatic brain injuries linked to his military deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Ex-Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. (Creative Commons)

Sinema and her attorney did not respond to the AP’s requests for comment.

The case was quietly filed late last year in Moore County, North Carolina, and drew wider attention this week after being moved to federal court.

North Carolina is among a small number of states that allow jilted spouses to sue for “alienation of affection,” a legal claim that seeks damages from a third party accused of causing the collapse of a marriage.

Sinema left Congress after the 2024 election, opting not to seek reelection following a turbulent single term. During her time in office, she alienated liberals and left the Democratic Party to register as an independent.

She now works for Washington-based law and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells, where she has lobbied for data center development and research funding for the psychedelic drug ibogaine.

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