Judge Rules Sinema Can Be Sued in NC Lawsuit

A federal judge has ruled that former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema can be sued in North Carolina under the state's alienation of affection statute, often referred to as a "homewrecker" law. U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon denied Sinema's motion to dismiss the lawsuit on Friday, finding that she has sufficient ties to the state to establish jurisdiction. The lawsuit was filed by Heather Ammel, the ex-wife of Matthew Ammel, who served as a member of Sinema's security detail. Heather Ammel alleges that Sinema pursued her husband, thereby destroying their marriage. North Carolina is one of a few states that permit a spouse to sue a third party for causing the loss of love and affection in a marriage and to seek financial damages. Sinema had argued that she could not be sued in North Carolina because she had no connection to the state. However, Judge Bragdon cited nine text messages Sinema sent to Matthew Ammel while he was in North Carolina. The judge found it implausible that Sinema was unaware of Ammel's whereabouts when she communicated with him, establishing jurisdiction. Bragdon also noted in his order that Sinema's testimony on several key points lacked credibility.