Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema confessed under oath to sleeping with her married bodyguard.
The ex-Arizona lawmaker, who famously ditched the Democratic Party to become an Independent during her single chaotic term, is now trying to kill a lawsuit brought by the scorned wife of her former security guard, Matthew Ammel. Heather Ammel filed the suit under North Carolina's "alienation of affection" statute, claiming Sinema's fling destroyed her 14-year marriage. As reported, the case is heading toward an evidentiary hearing on Aug. 19, and the details spilling out of depositions are absolutely jaw-dropping.
Sinema sat for questioning on July 31 at a Raleigh law office and laid out the timeline herself. She testified that the physical relationship kicked off around Memorial Day 2024 at an Airbnb property in Napa, California. "Matt kissed me. We went inside and had sex," she stated plainly in her sworn testimony. Oh, and they weren't alone at the rental. Sinema's friends Penny and Grant Croissant, plus another member of her security detail, were also staying at the property.
But Napa was just the beginning. The following month, Sinema traveled to New York City for the wedding of CNN anchor Jessica Dean. She and Ammel booked separate hotel rooms, but she admitted they were intimate in hers. Then came a mid-July rendezvous at Sinema's D.C. apartment after the two flew back together on a red-eye from the West Coast. In mid-August, they traveled to Aspen, Colorado, for what Sinema characterized as a fundraising trip, where they were intimate once more.
Sinema claimed she couldn't remember yet another encounter in Washington in late September. Ammel, however, confirmed it happened during his own deposition. The relationship carried on into October 2024 with another encounter at Sinema's Phoenix residence.
Here's the part that really stings. Sinema acknowledged she knew full well that Ammel was a married father of three the entire time.
Lawyers also grilled her about a towel photo she reportedly sent Ammel. Her defense? "I'm an endurance athlete. So a photograph of me with cupping marks is about sports." She then conveniently testified she didn't recall sending that particular image.
Another message Sinema sent to Ammel read, "Putting my hand on your heart. I'll see you soon. I miss you." When an attorney asked if she understood how a wife might feel reading that, Sinema simply answered, "Yes."
Heather Ammel's testimony was equally devastating. She said she uncovered the affair after her husband came home "severely intoxicated" while they were visiting her parents. She read aloud a message from Sinema found on his phone: "I keep waking up during my sleep and reaching over for your arms to hold me."
Sinema's legal team argues the case belongs nowhere near a North Carolina courtroom since none of the encounters happened in that state. Heather Ammel is seeking at least $75,000 in damages. The hearing next week promises to be one spicy courtroom showdown.
Like what you see? Then sign up for our Free Newsletter
