Ohio Congressman Max Miller Faces New Restraining Order Request Amid Abuse Allegations

A judge was asked on Thursday to issue a restraining order preventing Rep. Max Miller, a two-term Republican from Ohio, from contacting his ex-wife’s lawyer. Emily Moreno, who filed the request, claims Miller has repeatedly harassed and threatened her counsel, Andrew Zashin, during a custody dispute over their daughter. Moreno alleges that Miller insulted Zashin’s fiancée in court and physically grabbed Zashin and another attorney after a recent hearing.

The filing cites prior court-ordered restraining orders between the parties and adds that Moreno fears further direct contact with her legal team. She also alleges a series of physical assaults, including a February 1 incident in which she says Miller threw her against a wall, leaving bruises and a hand-print-like mark, and a later incident that resulted in a clavicle fracture for their child. Police reports note the child reportedly said, “Daddy kill you,” after staying with Miller, a claim Miller denies.

Miller, who is seeking a third term representing a Cleveland-area district, has denied all accusations, pointing to his continued joint custody as evidence. His campaign spokeswoman, Abigail Angelos, said, "The facts speak for themselves: the court has continued to permit him joint custody of his child. If there were credible evidence supporting these outrageous accusations, that simply would not be the case."

Miller also filed a defamation suit against Moreno and previously sued former White House aide Stephanie Grisham over similar claims, later dismissing that case. He has asserted that he possesses video and text-message evidence contradicting Moreno’s allegations and has questioned her mental health, citing diagnoses of bipolar disorder. The court’s decision on the restraining order request is pending.