The ex-wife of Kyrsten Sinema's former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, accused the duo of engaging in infidelity. Know about her accusations and damage claims.
Former U.S. Senator, Kyrsten Sinema is currently under hot water after an alleged scandalous aspect of her life has come to light. In January 2026, a federal lawsuit was filed in North Carolina against her, alleging she had an affair with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel. The plaintiff was Matthew's ex-wife, Heather Ammel, who filed the lawsuit seeking at least USD 75,000 in damages. Heather accused Krysten of being a homewrecker, and creating distance between the former couple, ultimately leading to their separation. Here's everything we know about Matthew Ammel, his career and family.
Matthew Ammel is a U.S. Army veteran and a former member of the security detail for former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema. After retiring from the U.S. Army in 2022, Matthew was hired to join Sinema's security team. In June 2024, he was appointed as a Defence and National Security Fellow in Sinema's Senate office while continuing to serve as her bodyguard. He is a veteran who served deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East. According to legal filings, he has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse related to his service.
Matthew Ammel's ex-wife, Heather Ammel, filed a federal lawsuit against Kyrsten Sinema, alleging that the former U.S. Senator intentionally destroyed her 14-year marriage. The lawsuit was filed under North Carolina's "alienation of affection" statutes, according to North Carolina-based media outlet, The Assembly. Alienation of affection is a civil tort in North Carolina that allows a spouse to sue a third party for willfully interfering with a marriage. Heather Ammel alleged that her ex-husband engaged in a "romantic and s**ual relationship" with Krysten while he worked as her bodyguard and later as a Senate staffer.
Heather accused Matthew of being encouraged by Krysten Sinema to bring illegal substances on work trips so she could "guide him through a psychedelic experience." The lawsuit further claimed that Matthew stopped wearing his wedding ring at work to hide his marital status while out in public with the 49-year-old, Kyrsten. Matthew Ammel allegedly struggled to admit the affair to his former spouse but eventually announced his plan to divorce her in late 2024 after Krysten Sinema gave him a salaried position on her Senate staff.
According to the court documents, Heather blamed her ex-husband and Krysten for getting "handsy" and exceeding "the bounds of a normal working relationship." Thus, Heather Ammel's allegations against Matthew were that he was lured by Krysten's job offer and the freedom to engage in illicit d**g abuse, making him forget his decade-long marital bond.
Matthew and Heather Ammel married in 2010. After approximately 14 years of marriage, they separated in late 2024 following Heather's discovery of alleged romantic messages between Matthew and former U.S. Senator, Krysten Sinema. Matthew Ammel officially filed for divorce in the first week of January 2026. The ex-couple has three children, according to court records. They are Clara Ammel (born in 2011), Isla Ammel (born in 2013), and James Ammel (born in 2015). Heather Ammel has primarily worked as a stay-at-home mother during the marriage.
The details regarding the custody of the children are not publicly known. As of January 2026, the status of Matthew and Heather Ammel's marriage and family is at the centre of a public legal dispute involving Kyrsten Sinema. The case was reportedly filed in Moore County late 2025 and was moved to federal court in the second week of January 2026.
What are your thoughts on Matthew Ammel's ex-wife's allegations against him and Krysten Sinema? Let us know.
Also Read: Who Is Sophie Turner Dating After Breakup With Peregrine Pearson? She Reveals Amid 'Lara Croft' Buzz