Sinema's Ex-Bodyguard Allegedly Threw Costly Paintings in Pool

A onetime bodyguard and boyfriend of Kyrsten Sinema is accused of doing six figures' worth of damage to her Arizona home, including tossing nearly two dozen of her paintings worth almost $125,000 into a swimming pool. Authorities say 39-year-old Matthew Ammel broke into Sinema's Cave Creek house on Aug. 30 and demanded that she post a video to her X account, per 12 News. He then threatened to destroy artwork every 10 minutes if she refused, authorities say. Cinema reportedly didn't comply, and investigators say Ammel followed through on his threats.

Investigators say the overall damage cost north of $200,000, with one painting allegedly spray-painted and pricey liquor bottles smashed. Sinema is said to have supplied texts, surveillance footage, and videos identifying Ammel, per KLTV. He was arrested on Friday, charged with felony criminal damage, then released with an electronic monitor, with a court date set for next week. FOX 10 reports that he was too "combative" to appear before the judge in his first hearing; he's been ordered to not have any contact with Sinema. The case unfolds as Sinema also faces a pending "homewrecker" lawsuit tied to the relationship.