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What started as professional proximity, the lawsuit claims, quickly crossed personal boundaries.
In early 2024, Heather Ammel reportedly uncovered what the court filing calls “romantic and lascivious” messages between her husband and Sinema exchanged through the encrypted Signal messaging app. That discovery, according to the lawsuit, marked the beginning of the end of the marriage.
By the summer of that year, Ammel allegedly stopped wearing his wedding ring altogether. Around the same time, Sinema is accused of bringing him into her Senate office as a national security fellow, even as he continued working as a bodyguard on her campaign. The lawsuit argues that this dual role further blurred the lines between professional authority and personal involvement.
The filing also contains one of its most disturbing allegations. It claims Sinema paid for psychedelic treatments for Ammel, who has reportedly battled post-traumatic stress, substance abuse issues, and traumatic brain injuries tied to his military service in Afghanistan and other parts of the Middle East.
Critics argue that this detail raises ethical red flags, especially given the imbalance of power between a sitting U.S. senator and a subordinate employee struggling with serious mental health challenges.
Neither Sinema nor her legal team has responded to requests for comment. The Associated Press reported that Sinema and her attorney declined to address the allegations when contacted.
The case was initially filed quietly late last year in Moore County, North Carolina. It gained national attention only after being transferred to federal court, where its explosive claims are now being closely watched.
North Carolina is one of the few states that still recognizes the legal doctrine of “alienation of affection.” This unusual cause of action allows a spouse to sue a third party accused of intentionally damaging or destroying a marriage. While controversial, the law has survived repeated attempts at repeal and continues to produce high-profile cases.
The lawsuit comes after Sinema’s abrupt exit from Congress following the 2024 election. Once hailed as a rising star by Democrats, she managed to alienate much of her base during a chaotic single term. She eventually left the Democratic Party altogether, registering as an independent before choosing not to seek reelection.
Since leaving office, Sinema has landed comfortably in Washington’s influence industry. She now works for Hogan Lovells, a powerful law and lobbying firm. According to public reports, her lobbying work has included pushing for data center development and advocating for research funding related to the psychedelic drug ibogaine.
To critics, the timing and nature of the lawsuit only reinforce long-standing concerns about Washington elites operating by a different set of rules. While everyday Americans face real consequences for personal misconduct, powerful politicians often walk away with lucrative careers and minimal accountability.
As this case moves forward in federal court, it is likely to reignite debate over ethics, power dynamics, and the moral standards expected of those entrusted with public office. Whether the allegations ultimately hold up in court, the details already emerging have cast a harsh light on a former senator who once styled herself as an unconventional reformer.
Now, she finds herself fighting accusations that strike at the core of trust, integrity, and personal responsibility.
