Full Breakdown
Kyrsten Sinema’s Ex-Bodyguard Charged After Alleged $200,000 Home Damage
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Core Incident
Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema says her former bodyguard and ex-boyfriend, Matthew Ammel, entered her Cave Creek home while she was away and caused extensive damage. Court filings allege Ammel threw twenty-two paintings into the backyard pool, shattered a wall-mounted mirror with a bottle, and broke several alcohol bottles, scattering glass throughout the house and pool area. The loss exceeds $200,000, including $123,015 for the artworks.
Background & Context
Amm2, a 39-year-old Army veteran, joined Sinema’s security detail in 2022. A romantic relationship began in 2024 and became public after Ammel’s former wife, Heather Ammel, filed a “homewrecker” lawsuit in North Carolina, claiming the affair destroyed her marriage. Sinema left Congress after the 2024 election and now works for Hogan Lovells.
Timeline
- 2022 – Ammel joins Sinema’s security team.
- May 27 2024 – Relationship turns sexual during a Napa trip.
- Late August 2024 – Ammel allegedly enters the Cave Creek home and damages property.
- Early September 2024 – Maricopa County deputies respond to a criminal-damage report.
- Mid-September 2024 – Ammel is taken into custody after being located at a behavioral-health center; he is later released on electronic monitoring without bond.
- July 31 – In a deposition, Sinema describes the Napa encounter.
- Later 2024 – Judge David A. Bragdon denies Sinema’s motion to dismiss the North Carolina suit, citing text messages that gave the court jurisdiction.
- October 2024 – Pre-trial conference scheduled for the “homewrecker” lawsuit.
Data & Statistics
- Paintings damaged: 22 tossed into the pool; one additional piece found spray-painted near the front entrance.
- Art value: $123,015.
- Total loss (including mirror, bottles, pool damage): Over $200,000.
- Charges: One count of criminal damage, a class-4 felony.
Official Statements & Responses
- Sinema: Reported Ammel demanded she post a video to X, threatening to damage the paintings every ten minutes; she refused.
- Sheriff’s deputies: Described Ammel as “combative” and noted his PTSD and traumatic brain injuries from deployments.
- Judicial actions: The judge set electronic monitoring but no bond; Judge Bragdon ruled the text messages established jurisdiction for the civil case.
- Heather Ammel’s claim: Seeks more than $75,000, alleging the affair “destroyed” her marriage.
Criticism & Opposition
Heather Ammel’s lawsuit frames Sinema’s conduct as a “homewrecker” that caused personal and financial harm, highlighting criticism that Sinema’s private actions have led to civil litigation and public scrutiny.
What’s Next
The “homewrecker” case proceeds to an October pre-trial conference, with a jury trial expected thereafter. Ammel’s criminal case continues, with future court dates yet to be set.