A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit against former Senator Kyrsten Sinema, alleging alienation of affection, can proceed to trial. The decision is a significant development in the case brought by Heather Ammel, the ex-wife of Sinema's former bodyguard and boyfriend, Matthew Ammel.
US District Judge David Bragdon stated that evidence suggests a genuine love and affection existed between Heather and Matthew Ammel in 2024, despite their relationship being turbulent. The judge's order came after an evidentiary hearing last month where both Heather Ammel and Sinema testified. Matthew Ammel did not appear in person for the hearing.
Heather Ammel filed the lawsuit under an "alienation of affection" law, a legal concept from the 19th century that remains in effect in a limited number of U.S. states. She is seeking tens of thousands of dollars in damages, alleging that Sinema destroyed her marriage.
Heather Ammel testified that Sinema began an affair with Matthew Ammel in 2024 while he was still employed as her bodyguard and living with his family. She described Sinema's actions as "grooming" behaviors and stated she felt "powerless" against a sitting senator. "It was me against a sitting senator with power, and money ... she had her hooks in him," Heather Ammel told the court.
Sinema's testimony indicated that her relationship with Matthew Ammel began in May 2024 after he pursued her. She described their initial encounter as a "one off" sexual encounter, stating, "I’m not like that." However, the court heard that the two allegedly continued to see each other sexually in the following months and remain in a relationship.
Judge Bragdon noted discrepancies in statements made by Matthew Ammel, stating that his depositions contained multiple conflicting accounts. "Mr. Ammel did not testify at the hearing and does not have a record of telling the truth in this matter," the judge wrote. "Therefore, the Court finds Ms. Ammel more credible than Mr. Ammel."
The ruling clears the way for the parties to begin the discovery process and prepare for a civil trial at a future date. Heather Ammel could potentially receive substantial damages, with the lawsuit seeking $75,000 in compensatory damages. Juries in North Carolina have historically been sympathetic in similar tortious interference cases, sometimes awarding significant compensatory and punitive damages.