Former Sinema bodyguard jailed after threats seeks her help with bail
Matthew Ammel, 39, the former bodyguard-turned-lover of ex-Senator Kyrsten Sinema, has been jailed for threatening to "take down" the ex-lawmaker. Whilst incarcerated, he attempted to have a bail bondsman contact Sinema to request that she post his bond, which her lawyer characterises as witness harassment and intimidation. This latest escalation is deeply concerning given his pattern of serious threats to her life.
Ammel was arrested on 29 September after violating release conditions from his charge of felony criminal damage. On 30 August, he destroyed approximately $200,000 worth of property at Sinema's Cave Creek home, dumping 22 paintings into her pool and smashing expensive furnishings whilst threatening further destruction until she posted a video on social media. Prosecutors revealed he had attempted to acquire firearms and tactical equipment and had contacted military friends to build him a rifle. A judge initially set his bond at $25,000, but prosecutors sought to raise it to $100,000 cash-only, citing his military training, violent threats and concerns he would escalate if released.
- Sinema's ex-lover asked her to bail him out whilst jailed for threats
- He destroyed $200,000 of her property in August, then violated release conditions
- Prosecutors fear he will escalate, sought higher bail given his military background
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Matthew Ammel is a 39-year-old former bodyguard of Kyrsten Sinema, an ex-senator from Arizona. The two had a personal relationship that later ended.
In August 2026, Ammel destroyed approximately $200,000 worth of property at Sinema's Cave Creek home, including dumping paintings in her pool and smashing furnishings whilst making threats to cause further damage unless she posted a video on social media. Prosecutors later revealed he had attempted to acquire firearms and tactical equipment, and had contacted military friends about building him a rifle.
These discoveries highlighted serious safety concerns, particularly given Ammel's military training and what prosecutors described as a pattern of threats towards Sinema. His actions prompted authorities to seek significant restrictions on his release, citing the risk of further escalation.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Kyrsten Sinema’s bodyguard ex-lover extraordinarily demands she bail him out of jail after threats”.