Property Damage Charges
Kyrsten Sinema's Former Bodyguard Charged With Felony Criminal Damage at Arizona Home
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Key Points
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Ammel was taken into custody as he was being released from a mental health facility; another report said he was found at a behavioral health center after a petition was filed for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation.
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In a Sept. 18 filing in the alienation-of-affection lawsuit, Sinema denied most of the allegations and requested a jury trial; an initial pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 22.
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Ammel allegedly threw at least one smashed liquor bottle at a large mounted mirror, destroying it; bottles and debris were also scattered around the home and into the pool.
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Sinema said in a deposition that her sexual relationship with Ammel began in May 2024 during a trip to Napa Valley, California.
Matthew Ammel, a 39-year-old former bodyguard and boyfriend of ex-Senator Kyrsten Sinema, was arrested and charged with felony criminal damage after an alleged August 30 rampage at her Cave Creek, Arizona home. NBC News reports that Ammel allegedly threw 22 paintings worth about $123,000 into her pool, spray-painted another artwork, and smashed liquor bottles and a mirror while demanding Sinema post a video to X. The total damage exceeded $200,000.
Ammel was taken into custody after being released from a mental health facility and was fitted with an electronic monitor. HuffPost reports he was ordered to have no contact with Sinema ahead of a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 5. Sinema provided investigators with text messages and surveillance footage documenting the alleged damage.
The August 30 Home Destruction
According to court documents, Ammel allegedly entered Sinema's home while she was out of town and damaged multiple artworks and valuables. NBC News states he threw at least 22 paintings into the pool and spray-painted another. He also allegedly threw a smashed liquor bottle at a large mounted mirror, destroying it. Bottles and debris scattered throughout the home and pool.
Investigators say Ammel made threats tied to his demands. HuffPost reports that Ammel threatened to damage her artwork unless Sinema posted a video to X. The paintings he destroyed were valued at approximately $123,000, with the full damage estimate exceeding $200,000.
How Investigators Built Their Case
Sinema cooperated fully with law enforcement and provided crucial evidence. NBC News reports she gave investigators text messages and surveillance footage that allegedly showed Ammel damaging the property. This video evidence played a key role in authorities moving forward with charges against him.
Ammel was arrested as he left a behavioral health center following an involuntary psychiatric evaluation. Court records show he had been released from the mental health facility when authorities took him into custody. He was released on an electronic monitor with strict orders to avoid all contact with Sinema.
Relationship Timeline and Separate Lawsuit
Sinema disclosed in a deposition that her romantic relationship with Ammel began in May 2024 during a trip to Napa Valley, California. The Army veteran had worked as her bodyguard before their relationship developed. Their connection ultimately led to the August rampage that prompted criminal charges.
Beyond the criminal case, Sinema faces a separate lawsuit under North Carolina's alienation-of-affection law filed by Ammel's ex-wife. HuffPost reports that in September, Sinema denied most allegations and requested a jury trial. A federal judge allowed the case to proceed, with an initial pretrial conference scheduled for October 22.
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