Arrest and Alleged Property Damage
Former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s ex-bodyguard and ex-boyfriend, Matthew Ammel, was arrested on a charge of aggravated criminal damage following an incident at her Cave Creek, Arizona, residence.
Court documents cited by Fox 10 Phoenix indicate that the alleged destruction occurred on August 30 while Sinema was away from the home. According to the documents, Ammel threw approximately 22 paintings into Sinema’s swimming pool after she refused his demand to post a video on X.
The specific contents of the requested video have not been publicly disclosed. Sinema told authorities that Ammel also smashed liquor bottles, scattering broken glass throughout the house and pool. The estimated damage from the incident exceeds $200,000.
Ammel was arrested last week as he was being released from a mental health facility.
Relationship History and Civil Litigation
Sinema has acknowledged a romantic relationship with Ammel that she states began in 2024. The couple’s personal history has become the subject of civil litigation involving Ammel’s former spouse.
Heather Ammel, Matthew Ammel’s ex-wife, has sued the former senator for alienation of affection. In her lawsuit, Heather Ammel claims the couple had a "good and loving marriage" before Sinema interfered with their relationship.
The suit alleges that Sinema invited Ammel to a Taylor Swift concert, purchased him gifts, and paid for psychedelic treatment. North Carolina is one of a handful of states that permit a spouse to sue a third party for breaking up a marriage.
A federal judge recently rejected Sinema’s argument that her relationship with Ammel took place outside of North Carolina, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.
Campaign Finance Scrutiny
The criminal case coincides with increased scrutiny from campaign finance watchdogs regarding Sinema’s spending after she left office on January 3, 2025. At that time, her campaign account held $4.2 million; by the time her campaign committee filed its termination report, the account had no money remaining.
The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) filed a formal complaint in March questioning nearly $2 million in campaign spending after Sinema left office. The filing raised concerns about staff payments to Ammel and alleged that Sinema spent about $9,000 at resorts in Beverly Hills, Montauk, Wyoming ski country, and the Grand Canyon.
Records show that between 2021 and 2023, Sinema’s campaign spent nearly $10,000 at high-end restaurants and almost $20,000 on wine-related expenses. Additionally, the campaign paid a luxury New York City car service more than $4,000 for a single day.
Political Shifts
Sinema left the Democratic Party in 2022, changing her registration to independent, arguing that neither major party reflected her values.