In a decision that could set a precedent for similar “alienation of affection” actions, U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon found that former Arizona Representative and one‑term Senator Kyrsten Sinema is subject to North Carolina’s homewrecker law. The ruling came after the judge concluded that nine text messages Sinema sent to Matthew Ammel while he was physically in the state gave the court jurisdiction.
Background of the lawsuit
The case was filed by Heather Ammel, the ex‑wife of Matthew Ammel, who served on Sinema’s security detail after retiring from the Army in 2022. Heather alleges that Sinema knowingly pursued a romantic relationship with her husband, despite his marital status, and that this interference caused the breakdown of their marriage.
According to the complaint, the affair began in early 2024 when Ammel exchanged “romantic and lascivious” messages with Sinema via the Signal app. The couple’s sexual relationship, which Ammel described as beginning on May 27, 2024, continued during trips to Napa, California, as well as to New York, Washington, Colorado and Arizona. The complaint notes that Ammel never wore his wedding ring after the summer of 2024 and that Sinema later hired him as a national security fellow in her Senate office while he continued to work as a bodyguard for her campaign.
Judge’s reasoning
Judge Bragdon rejected Sinema’s argument that she lacked a connection to North Carolina, stating that the text messages sent while Ammel was in the state demonstrated a sufficient nexus for the court’s jurisdiction. He found it implausible that Sinema could be unaware of Ammel’s whereabouts when she communicated with him.
North Carolina is one of a handful of states that still allow a jilted spouse to sue a third party for alienation of affection, seeking monetary damages for the loss of love and companionship. The law is often referred to as a “homewrecker” statute.
Legal and political context
The ruling arrives amid ongoing debates over the relevance of alienation of affection claims, which many states have abolished as outdated. Supporters argue that the statutes protect the sanctity of marriage and provide a remedy for spouses who suffer emotional and financial harm due to extramarital interference. Critics contend that such lawsuits are anachronistic and can be weaponized for personal vendettas.
Sinema’s legal team, led by attorney Steven Epstein, has not yet commented on the decision. The lawsuit seeks financial damages, though the exact amount has not been disclosed.
Implications for public officials
While the case does not involve policy decisions, it underscores the personal scrutiny faced by public figures and raises questions about the extent to which state courts can assert jurisdiction over a former federal official based on limited contacts.
Legal experts note that the decision may encourage similar actions in other states that retain alienation of affection statutes, potentially leading to a resurgence of “homewrecker” lawsuits against high‑profile individuals.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
