Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) has been sued in North Carolina by Heather Ammel, the ex-wife of a former aide, who accuses the onetime Arizona senator of intentionally and maliciously interfering in her 14-year marriage, according to a lawsuit filed in Moore County.
The suit alleges Sinema engaged in an inappropriate relationship with Matthew Ammel, a former member of her security detail and later a salaried Senate staffer, including sending messages that “exceeded the bounds of a normal working relationship and were of romantic and lascivious natures,” with one alleged exchange involving sexual scenarios to which Sinema replied, “Boring!” The complaint also claims Sinema purchased gifts, paid for psychedelic treatment, and was physically “handsy” with Ammel at public events, while concerns about her conduct allegedly led a former head of security to resign.
Heather Ammel is seeking damages exceeding $25,000, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and a jury trial under North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law, one of the few states that recognize such claims, while The Hill said it left a voicemail and sent an email seeking comment from Sinema’s office at Hogan Lovells, where she now works.