Matthew Ammel, a former bodyguard and alleged former lover of ex-U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, appeared in court this week facing charges related to violating a no-contact order against the former lawmaker. Prosecutors presented text messages that they said contained threats directed at Sinema and a judge, contributing to an environment in which Sinema “was reasonably and objectively afraid” for her safety.

Ammel was arrested on September 29 outside a gun store in Phoenix after allegedly breaching the court order, which prohibits him from contacting Sinema. Authorities say Ammel is also accused of damaging Sinema’s residence. At his court appearance, Ammel was held on a $25,000 bond, though prosecutors requested the amount be raised to $100,000 with cash-only terms.

The nature of Ammel and Sinema’s relationship came to public attention during litigation initiated by Ammel’s ex-wife, who filed a lawsuit against Sinema in North Carolina under the state’s “homewrecker” statute. The suit alleges that Sinema engaged in an extramarital relationship with Ammel during their marriage.

The court proceedings shed light on the increasingly contentious and complex legal issues surrounding Ammel’s conduct and his interactions with Sinema, whose political career and private life have drawn heightened scrutiny amid the allegations. Legal representatives for Ammel and Sinema have not publicly commented on the ongoing case.