The plaintiff, Heather Ammel, filed an alienation of affection lawsuit, claiming Sinema engaged in a romantic relationship with her then-husband, Matthew Ammel, who was a member of Sinema's security team.
Sinema, a Democrat who then changed her affiliation to Independent, was in the U.S. Senate from 2019 to 2025. She now works for the Washington, D.C., law and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells.
According to the lawsuit, Heather Ammel discovered messages between her husband and Sinema that "exceeded the bounds of a normal working relationship and were of romantic and lascivious natures."
The Ammels separated on Nov. 1, 2024, according to the lawsuit. Court records show Heather Ammel filed for divorce on Jan. 7.
The lawsuit, filed in Moore County, seeks damages in excess of $25,000 in compensatory damages, citing emotional distress and the disruption of family life. She also seeks damages in excess of $25,000 for punitive damages.
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SEE ALSO | NC TikTok star ordered to pay wife $1.75M in 'alienation of affection' lawsuit, 3rd highest in state
North Carolina is one of a few states that has this law.
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