Matthew Ammel, 39, was arrested after allegedly breaking into the Cave Creek, Arizona, residence of former Senator Kyrsten Sinema and causing more than 200 mil dólares in destruction. According to documents, on August 30, while Sinema was out of town, Ammel destroyed 22 paintings and shattered glass throughout the property.
Damages at Cave Creek Home
The financial toll was steep. Investigators valued the ruined paintings alone at 123 mil 15 dólares, with further repairs to the home and pool pushing the total damages past the 200 mil dólares mark. Ammel now faces a class 4 felony charge of aggravated criminal damage.
A “Personal Crisis” and Military Honors
Ammel told investigators the outburst was triggered by a “personal crisis” fueled by stress. According to court documents, he sought to have Sinema share a 2007 military video showing his unit providing first aid to an injured person. Ammel alleged the footage was necessary to secure a Presidential Unit Citation for his unit.
Ammel had previously integrated the team of security of Sinema after retiring from the Ejército in 2022 and later worked as an integrante del personal de la oficina de la entonces senadora.
Alienation of Affection Lawsuit
The criminal charges coincide with a civil battle in North Carolina. Heather Ammel, entonces esposa de Matthew Ammel, demandó a Sinema en Carolina del Norte por la relación que, según la demanda, la exsenadora mantuvo con su esposo, alleging the senator interfered in her marriage. The lawsuit cites nine messages Sinema sent to Matthew Ammel while he was in North Carolina.
In September 2026, a federal judge rejected Sinema’s argument that North Carolina lacked jurisdiction, ruling that the case could proceed.
Timeline of a Consensual Relationship
In a court filing, Sinema acknowledged a consensual romantic relationship with Ammel. She stated the relationship became sexual on May 27, 2024, during a trip to Napa, California, and that subsequently tuvieron encuentros en Nueva York, Washington, Colorado y Arizona.
Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Authorities located Ammel at a behavioral health facility on September 17, at which point he was detained. He was subsequently released under electronic monitoring. Court records indicate his next court date is scheduled.
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