Former bodyguard charged with $200K property damage at Sinema's home

Key points

• Matthew Ammel, 39, was arrested on Sept. 17 on a charge of aggravated criminal damage.
• The incident occurred on Aug. 30, but Sinema did not report it to deputies until Sept. 3.
• Ammel is accused of throwing 22 paintings into Sinema's pool and smashing alcohol bottles.
• The total estimated damage is over $200,000, with the paintings alone valued at $123,015.
• Ammel was released from custody and is wearing an ankle monitor.
• A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 5.

Background

This criminal case is part of a broader controversy involving Sinema and Ammel. In July, Sinema admitted in a deposition to having a sexual relationship with Ammel, starting in May 2024. This admission is central to a civil lawsuit filed by Ammel's ex-wife, Heather Ammel, under North Carolina's 'alienation of affection' law. Sinema has argued that the affair did not occur in North Carolina, but a federal judge ruled that the case can proceed there due to text messages sent while Ammel was in the state.

How outlets are covering it

FOX 10, KTAR, WRAL, and AZ Family all report on the felony charge against Ammel for property damage. They agree on the core facts: the $200,000 in damage, the 22 paintings thrown into the pool, and the Sept. 17 arrest. KTAR and AZ Family provide additional details on the legal proceedings, noting that Ammel was too combative for his first court appearance and is now on electronic monitoring. WRAL and AZ Family also highlight the connection to the North Carolina civil lawsuit, emphasizing that Sinema has acknowledged the affair but disputes jurisdiction. All sources attribute the details of the incident to a probable cause statement and court documents.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal and public scrutiny surrounding Kyrsten Sinema's personal life and its intersection with her political career. The felony charge for property damage adds a new dimension to the existing civil lawsuit, potentially impacting her reputation and legal standing. The case also raises questions about the enforcement of 'alienation of affection' laws and the jurisdictional challenges they present.

What to watch

A preliminary hearing for Ammel is set for Oct. 5. In the civil case, an initial pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 22. Sinema has requested a jury trial and denied most of the allegations in the North Carolina lawsuit. The outcome of these proceedings will likely have significant implications for both Sinema and Ammel.