Judge clears a lawsuit against Kyrsten Sinema under North Carolina’s ‘homewrecker’ law

PHOENIX (AP) – Former U.S. Sen.

Key points

• Kyrsten Sinema can be sued under North Carolina's homewrecker law over her relationship with a member of her security detail, a judge ruled Friday.
• Bragdon rejected that argument, saying nine text messages she sent Ammel while he was in the state offer North Carolina jurisdiction over her.
• Sinema has acknowledged having a romantic relationship with Matthew Ammel but argued that she can't be sued in North Carolina since she has no connection to the state.
• Sinema's lawyer, Steven Epstein, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
• The lawsuit, filed by Ammel's ex-wife, seeks financial damages from Sinema.

PHOENIX (AP) – Former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema can be sued under North Carolina's homewrecker law over her relationship with a member of her security detail, a judge ruled Friday.

U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon rejected that argument, saying nine text messages she sent Ammel while he was in the state offer North Carolina jurisdiction over her. He discovered it implausible that she was unaware of Ammel's whereabouts when she texted him.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit, filed by Ammel's ex-wife, seeks financial damages from Sinema. This person represented Arizona in the U.S. House and afterwards the Senate for one term that concluded early last year. North Carolina is one of a handful of states that allow jilted spouses to sue for "alienation of affection" to seek compensation from a third party responsible for the breakup of their marriage.

In short, judge clears a lawsuit against Kyrsten Sinema under North Carolinas homewrecker law is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.