Legal Troubles for Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema
Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who was once a Democrat, is facing a lawsuit filed by Heather Ammel, the ex-wife of her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel. The legal action was initiated in a North Carolina federal court on Wednesday.
Heather claims that Sinema was romantically involved with her then-husband, claiming that the senator’s actions contributed to their separation in 2024 after a 14-year marriage. The lawsuit alleges that Sinema’s inappropriate interactions included extravagant travel. Furthermore, Heather accused Sinema of funding psychedelic therapy for Matthew Ammel.
The lawsuit references text messages exchanged between Matthew Ammel and Sinema. Allegedly, when confronted, Sinema claimed her intent was merely to “intimidate an adversary.”
There are also allegations that she suggested he carry MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, during a work trip, claiming she could “guide him through a psychedelic experience.”
Additionally, the lawsuit mentions that in May 2024, Sinema financed Matthew Ammel’s psychedelic treatment in Nashville before bringing him to Napa Valley, California, for concert security purposes. Supposedly, they stayed together in a private Airbnb during this time.
Sinema has previously expressed support for ibogaine, a psychedelic derived from a shrub, as reported by Politico.
In early 2024, during a baseball game, Matthew Ammel purportedly suggested starting a chant that disrespected military personnel, prompting Sinema to respond playfully, “Fuck the hot guys.”
The documents reveal that in June 2024, Sinema offered Matthew Ammel a position on her Senate staff as a defense and national security researcher. Concerns were raised in 2023 by her former security chief about a potential “sexual relationship” involving Sinema and another member of her security detail.
Heather Ammel additionally stated that her ex-husband struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury due to his Army service.
In 2022, Sinema transitioned from the Democratic Party and registered as an independent. By 2024, she announced her decision not to seek re-election and is currently a senior advisor at a law firm in Washington, D.C.
As of now, Sinema has not responded to inquiries about the lawsuit.
