The former bodyguard and ex-boyfriend of former Senator Krysten Sinema allegedly caused more than $200,000 in damage to her home. The now-lobbyist from Arizona was not at home when the incident occurred.
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Krysten Sinema Accused Her Ex of Destroying Valuable Artwork
As reported by the New York Post, Sinema accused Matthew Ammel of damaging her home in Cave Creek, Arizona, located just north of Phoenix, on Sep. 3.
Her 39-year-old "former boyfriend" allegedly threatened to destroy valuable artwork every 10 minutes if she didn't give in to his demands. Court documents state he wanted her to post something on X. Ammel's motive remains unknown.
The 50-year-old Sinema did not comply. Ammel then tossed 22 paintings into her pool. Deputies from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department later found the artwork underwater. Another was defaced with black spray paint. They were valued at $123,015.
In addition to the paintings, Ammel broke numerous bottles of expensive alcohol. He also destroyed at least one mounted mirror. The total damage to Sinema's home was over $200,000.
Ammel was arrested on Sep. 19 and charged with felony criminal damage, according to court records.
Ammel's Ex-Wife Sued Sinema
Officers found Ammel at a behavioral health center after a petition was filed for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation. However, he did not appear before the judge.
"They're saying that he's combative and he's in the hallway," a sheriff's deputy told the court.
Despite officials questioning his mental state, the Army veteran was released without bond and placed on electronic monitoring.
The relationship between Ammel and Sinema became public after the former's ex-wife of 14 years sued Sinema under North Carolina's "homewrecker law." She is seeking $75,000 in damages. Sinema has denied the allegations.
"Prior to [Sinema's] actions, Plaintiff and Mr. Ammel were happily married, and genuine love and affection existed between them," alleged Ammel's ex.
Ammel was hired to protect Sinema in 2022. Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, Ammel received psychedelic treatment that Sinema paid for.
A July 31 deposition shows that Sinema, who is openly bisexual, admitted to having sex with Ammel multiple times.
"We were staying at an Airbnb in Napa, California. We were outside. Matt kissed me. We went inside and had sex," court records show.
A pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 22.
