Krysten Sinema Faces Alienation of Affection Lawsuit in North Carolina Case

Krysten Sinema faced unprecedented legal scrutiny when her former bodyguard Matthew Ammel's wife filed a $25,000 lawsuit accusing the Arizona-born senator of 'intentional and malicious interference' in a 14-year marriage. Heather Ammel, a mother of three, alleged that the relationship between Sinema and her husband began shortly after he joined her security team in 2022. The case hinges on North Carolina's unique law allowing plaintiffs to sue for alienation of affection, a practice outlawed in most U.S. states but legally permissible in the Tar Heel State.

Sinema responded in court filings, admitting that she engaged in a 'romantic and intimate' relationship with Ammel beginning in May 2024—while he was still married—but argued the affair took place outside North Carolina, where such claims could not be pursued. She claimed they were never physically intimate within the state but acknowledged the pair shared emotional closeness during trips to Arizona, California, New York, and Washington, D.C.

The lawsuit painted a detailed portrait of Sinema's conduct with Ammel, including allegations that she asked him to bring ecstasy (MDMA) on work trips in 2023 for 'psychedelic experiences.' Text messages between the two reportedly discussed missionary-style sex with lights on—a preference Sinema called 'boring.' Their travels included high-profile events like U2 concerts at Las Vegas' Sphere and Taylor Swift shows in Miami, as well as a foreign trip to Saudi Arabia. Ammel also accompanied Sinema during former President Joe Biden's 2024 State of the Union address, which she reportedly skipped, telling him, 'I don't need to listen to some old man.'

The suit detailed other exchanges: when Ammel suggested chanting 'f*** the troops' at a Pennsylvania baseball game, Sinema allegedly responded with a crude variation. She also sent photos of herself wrapped in a towel and purchased a Theragun massager for him, instructing him to bring it over so she could 'work on his back.' In October 2024, after Ammel returned home, Sinema texted: 'I miss you. Putting my hand on your heart. I'll see you soon.' Heather Ammel later confronted her with the question: 'Are you having an affair with my husband?'

The relationship allegedly led to Matthew and Heather's separation in late 2024. The lawsuit stated that Heather was left emotionally devastated, financially strained, and forced into divorce proceedings due to Sinema's alleged interference. Ammel, a former special forces veteran, suffers from PTSD and traumatic brain injury, conditions he reportedly sought to alleviate through psychedelic therapies like ibogaine—a treatment Sinema has long advocated for.

Sinema had previously credited Ammel with inspiring her work on psychedelics after his return from Mexico, where he underwent illegal ibogaine therapy. As a senator, she pushed the Biden administration in 2024 to consider MDMA as a PTSD treatment and supported its use for veterans through legislative efforts. According to Legistorm data, Ammel was paid over $90,000 by Sinema's Senate office between June 2024 and January 2025, while prior roles with her campaign and PAC saw his earnings increase sharply after she left office in early 2025.

The case has reignited debates about the moral standards expected of public figures. While Sinema's legal team argues that her actions occurred outside North Carolina and should not be subject to state-specific alienation laws, Heather Ammel insists the damage was profound. The lawsuit remains pending as both sides prepare for further litigation.