Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema admitted in court filings that she had a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail, a revelation that surfaced as she fights a lawsuit filed by his ex-wife. The lawsuit was brought by Heather Ammel, the former spouse of Sinema’s security guard, Matthew Ammel, who claims the relationship contributed to the breakdown of their marriage. According to court documents, Sinema acknowledged the relationship but is asking the court to dismiss the case. The lawsuit was filed under North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law, which allows a spouse to sue someone accused of interfering in a marriage. Reports indicate the relationship included several meetings in different cities while Ammel was assigned to Sinema’s security detail. Sinema’s legal team argues that the case should not proceed in North Carolina because the alleged encounters did not occur there. The case is still pending as the court considers whether it has jurisdiction over the dispute.
