Former Bodyguard of Senator Kyrsten Sinema Arrested for Alleged Property Damage

<figure><img alt="Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) speaks during a news conference on the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 29, 2022. REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/VG7ZKGAKEVHUVBNGKBEDGCL3NQ.JPG?auth=072c2d86590aa5a2853f146ab6b9e0c5c3cf8c7a0d51529412b7b302351b0d95&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4364&amp;height=2455" /><figcaption>SARAH SILBIGER / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Matthew Ammel, 39, the former bodyguard and romantic partner of former Senator Kyrsten Sinema, has been arrested following an alleged incident of property damage at her residence in Cave Creek, Arizona, resulting in an estimated $200,000 in damages.</p><p>The situation escalated after Ammel's ex-wife filed a lawsuit against Sinema, claiming that Sinema engaged in an affair with Ammel while he was still married. Sinema acknowledged in a deposition that her relationship with Ammel began in May 2024, including during a trip to New York for a wedding.</p><img alt="Matthew Ammel (checked shirt) and Kyrsten Sinema (polka dot top) at an Arizona Legislature hearing in 2025. / ACTV screenshot" height="1312" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/RGWVHBVFKBEM5L3BVMAAZXJ45A.png?auth=e47a4efea82530dfc1c97f12ed6aa570ddea335805c4b2e936908891a43db4ad&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1940&amp;height=1312" width="1940" /><p>According to court documents, Ammel allegedly threatened to damage Sinema's property unless she posted a video to X. When she refused, he reportedly removed over 20 pieces of art valued at $123,000 from the walls and placed them in her swimming pool. Additionally, he is accused of breaking bottles of alcohol and damaging a wall-mounted mirror, leading to a total estimated damage exceeding $200,000.</p><p>Authorities responded to the scene on September 3, where they found submerged paintings and other damaged items. Sinema provided investigators with messages, recordings, and surveillance footage that allegedly captured Ammel's actions. He was arrested last week and faces a charge of criminal damage.</p><p>During his initial court appearance, Ammel did not appear before the judge due to reported issues with his transport, and he was released without bond while wearing an electronic monitoring device.</p><p>This incident represents a significant development in the ongoing fallout from Ammel's relationship with Sinema.</p><img alt="Matthew Ammel was taken into custody last week. / Mugshot / Maricopa County Sheriff's Office" height="912" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/LQOKUMEBVBHRNDEYW6V37BC7PI.png?auth=5273b464e7ca93de89f4d6107599aaf84326cdf0bb1d10b54f6e260ff9cfa010&amp;smart=true&amp;width=792&amp;height=912" width="792" /><p>Previously, Ammel's ex-wife, Heather, sued Sinema after their marriage ended, alleging that Sinema knowingly pursued her husband. Sinema has disputed these claims but confirmed the existence of a sexual relationship with Ammel across various states. A federal judge recently allowed Heather Ammel's lawsuit to proceed after rejecting Sinema's motion to dismiss based on jurisdictional issues.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to Sinema for comment, and Ammel could not be contacted.</p><p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/bodyguard-matthew-ammel-in-senator-sinema-sex-scandal-arrested-over-200k-rampage/">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p>