Judge grants jurisdiction for alienation-of-affection suit against former Senator Sinema
A federal judge ruled that North Carolina courts can hear a lawsuit accusing former Senator Kyrsten Sinema of alienation of affection, based on text messages she sent while the alleged lover was in the state.
U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon ruled that North Carolina’s alienation-of-affection law applies to former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, dismissing her argument that she has no connection to the state. The decision rested on nine text messages Sinema sent to Matthew Ammel while he was physically present in North Carolina, which the judge said established jurisdiction. The lawsuit, brought by Ammel’s former wife Heather, claims Sinema’s relationship with the married security detail member disrupted their "good and loving marriage."
Sinema confirmed the romance and described sexual encounters in several states, though none occurred in North Carolina. Ammel, a retired Army veteran, joined Sinema’s security team in 2022 and later received a role as a national security fellow in her Senate office. The complaint seeks financial damages, and Sinema’s lawyer has not responded to comment requests. The case underscores the rare but still enforceable "homewrecker" statutes in a handful of states.
Why it matters
The ruling shows how state alienation-of-affection laws can reach high-profile figures beyond their home states.
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