Lawyer for GOP Rep. Max Miller’s ex-wife files for restraining order as abuse allegations against congressman swirl
Lawyer for GOP Rep Max Miller Seeks Restraining Order Amid Abuse Claims
Bizeconanalysis.com – The lawyer for GOP Rep Max Miller filed a court request Thursday seeking a restraining order that would prevent the two-term Ohio congressman from contacting his ex-wife's legal counsel. This development comes as allegations of domestic abuse continue to surface during Miller's reelection campaign, with the congressman maintaining his innocence throughout.
Emily Moreno, Miller's former wife, submitted court documents alleging that the congressman has engaged in repeated physical and verbal confrontations with her attorney, Andrew Zashin. These incidents occurred following recent hearings in their ongoing custody dispute. Both parties already maintain court-ordered restraining orders against one another.
Recent Courtroom Incidents
Moreno and Miller share a young daughter following their brief marriage, which commenced in 2022 and concluded in June 2025. According to court filings, after a May hearing, Moreno claimed that Miller insulted Zashin's fiancée in the presence of witnesses at an Ohio courthouse. She further alleged that following a hearing this week, the congressman physically seized Zashin and another attorney.
"Unless restrained," Moreno wrote in her affidavit, "Miller will continue to harass, threaten, and communicate with my counsel directly." She noted that Miller has similarly "harassed, threatened, and communicated directly" with her previous legal teams as well.
Miller, who represents a Republican-leaning district near Cleveland, is seeking a third term in office. Moreno happens to be the daughter of Republican Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, who was elected to the Senate in 2024.
History of Allegations and Responses
Thursday's legal proceedings represent the latest chapter in months of court documents and public reports that CBS News has examined, all detailing Moreno's claims of abuse by Miller against both herself and their child. Miller has firmly denied every allegation, citing his continued joint custody arrangement and accusing his ex-wife of defamation and child abuse.
Court documents and police reports indicate that on February 1, Moreno alleged that Miller physically assaulted her during a custody exchange at his Bay Village, Ohio residence while their daughter was present. According to a police report, Moreno went to retrieve their child at Miller's home, where he allegedly "threw" her "against the wall," causing "an obvious grab mark on her upper arm and bruising to her stomach and side where she hit the wall."
The reporting officer detailed conversations with a county child protection specialist regarding another alleged incident occurring two weeks later, which led to their young daughter being diagnosed with a mid-right clavicle fracture. The officer noted in the report that a bruise accompanying the injury "appears to be a handprint and appears to have been inflicted."
Moreno also informed police that after staying with Miller, their child told her: "Daddy kill you," according to the police report. When Moreno emailed Miller to inquire about this statement, he denied that the child "would have heard anything like that from him," the report added.
According to the February 1 report and additional court filings from Moreno's legal team in her defamation lawsuit, Miller "threw onto Ms. Moreno hot water from a pan of eggs he'd just cooked" in 2024 after she informed the congressman of her intention to leave him.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Following media coverage of that incident, Miller filed a defamation lawsuit against Moreno, citing "considerable reputational and financial harm" resulting from her allegations that he was a "violent and abusive husband and father." Miller subsequently told an Ohio magistrate judge that his current girlfriend was present at the house during the first alleged February incident, though an attorney for Miller later withdrew this statement.
Miller initiated a domestic violence case against Moreno in February but moved to dismiss it three months later. The dismissal request received judicial approval this week, with a judge determining that Miller "was not under any apparent infirmity and did not appear to have been threatened by or in fear of" Moreno.
Sworn testimony from Moreno during a May hearing related to Miller's domestic violence case revealed that she claimed Miller admitted to being abusive both verbally and in writing. Court transcripts also document Moreno stating that Miller made threatening statements against her father, though no specific details were provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the restraining order request? The lawyer for GOP Rep Max Miller has filed for a restraining order on behalf of Emily Moreno, seeking to prevent Miller from contacting her legal counsel directly. The court has not yet issued a final ruling on this request.
What allegations has Moreno made against Miller? Moreno has alleged multiple incidents including physical assault, verbal altercations, and threats. These include an incident where Miller allegedly threw her against a wall and another where he reportedly held a gun to her head.
How has Miller responded to these allegations? Miller has consistently denied all allegations against him. He has accused Moreno of defamation and has also filed his own domestic violence case against her, which he later moved to dismiss.
What is the connection between this case and Miller's reelection campaign? The allegations have become a significant part of Miller's public narrative as he campaigns for a third term representing his Cleveland-area district. The ongoing legal proceedings continue to generate media attention.
What role does Senator Bernie Moreno play in this situation? Senator Bernie Moreno is Emily Moreno's father. Miller has publicly criticized the senator, calling it "unfortunate" that he "continues to fund and enable his daughter's malicious campaign to ruin my life despite his knowledge of her mental health issues."