Release terms and hearing
Matthew Ammel, 39, would face house arrest and electronic monitoring if released, AZFamily reported. Azcentral reported that the judge also required him to remain in Arizona. The conditions would apply if Ammel posts a $100,000 cash-only bond.
At a Maricopa County Superior Court hearing in Phoenix on Monday, Judge Barbara Spencer increased Ammel’s bond from $25,000. Ammel pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal property damage, a Class 4 felony in Arizona, according to azcentral.com. Prosecutors argued that he posed a danger to Sinema and the community; victim’s advocate Valli Goss also urged the judge to consider the risk she believed he presented, the outlet reported.
Allegations behind the case
Prosecutors allege that Ammel damaged property at Kyrsten Sinema’s Cave Creek home, including by throwing 22 paintings into the swimming pool and breaking alcohol bottles, a mirror and a wall clock. The reported damage exceeded $200,000, according to azcentral.com. AZFamily reported an earlier estimate of $123,015 for the artwork damage alone.
Ammel, Sinema’s former bodyguard and ex-boyfriend, was arrested again on Sept. 29. Investigators said he had a large knife at a gun store despite his release conditions, according to AZFamily. The outlet also reported that prosecutors cited an earlier request by Ammel for a mutual acquaintance to contact Sinema on his behalf.
Next court date
AZFamily reported that Ammel’s trial is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2027. The reported date and the hearing details above rely on published accounts, not independent docket verification.
