A Florida judge has issued a restraining order against Republican Congressman Cory Mills following allegations from his ex-girlfriend, reigning Miss United States Lindsey Langston, that he harassed and threatened her after their breakup.

Florida Circuit Judge Fred Koberlein Jr. granted the restraining order on Tuesday, Oct. 14, barring the 45-year-old congressman from coming within 500 feet of Langston's home or workplace or contacting her until Jan. 1, according to People. The order came after Langston, 26, filed a petition alleging Mills threatened to share intimate images and videos of her and harm anyone she dated following their split.

Langston, a Republican state committeewoman, stated she began dating Mills in late 2021 and their relationship ended in February 2025. Judge Koberlein determined there was "reasonable cause to believe [Langston] is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of another act of dating violence" without the protective order.

Judge Cites Credibility Concerns

Judge Koberlein stated in his decision that the evidence substantiated Langston's allegation that Mills caused her "substantial emotional distress" through his actions. The judge found that the congressman failed to present a "credible rebuttal" to her testimony during court proceedings. This assessment proved crucial in determining whether the restraining order was warranted under Florida law.

The judge specifically addressed Mills' testimony regarding intimate videos, writing, "The court, considering the totality of the testimony and the circumstances, does not find [Mills'] testimony concerning the intimate videos to be truthful." He noted that even if Mills' claims were accurate, his response remained irrelevant to the case. The judge emphasized that no evidence suggested Langston knew whether Mills still possessed the intimate materials.

Mills had claimed during testimony that he no longer had any intimate videos because his phone was damaged and required replacement. He also stated he had planned to show videos of Langston baking to prove they had a relationship. However, the judge found these explanations unconvincing when weighing all testimony and circumstances presented.

Allegations of Threats and Intimidation

Langston filed a police report with the Columbia County Sheriff's office in Florida in July, alleging Mills contacted her multiple times after their breakup with threats to release "nude images and videos of her, to include recorded videos of her and Cory engaging in sexual acts." According to the police incident report, these threats allegedly began "when Cory believed Lindsey to have other romantic partners in her life after the break up." The allegations formed the basis of her subsequent petition for a restraining order filed in August.

In one alleged message to Langston, Mills reportedly wrote, "I can send him a few videos of you as well[.] Oh, I still have them." In another message, he allegedly warned that she "may want to tell every guy you date that if we run into each other at any point. Strap up cowboy[.]" These communications suggested potential violence or confrontation with future romantic partners.

The lawmaker denied the claims in a statement to CBS News, saying, "These claims are false and misrepresent the nature of my interactions. I have always conducted myself with integrity, both personally and in service to Florida's 7th District." Mills maintained throughout the proceedings that his behavior had been misconstrued and that he never intended threats of violence.

Courtroom Testimony Reveals Disputes

The pair testified in two court hearings held in Lake City over the case, presenting conflicting accounts of their interactions and the meaning behind Mills' messages. Mills denied that his "strap up cowboy" comment was threatening any violence, claiming instead it was a colloquial term meant to suggest that a "wild ride" was about to happen. The congressman attempted to reframe his language as non-threatening banter rather than intimidation.

During testimony, Mills addressed the allegations about possessing intimate videos and images of Langston. He claimed he no longer had any such materials due to phone damage requiring replacement. This testimony became a central point of contention that the judge ultimately rejected as not credible.

Judge Koberlein also noted that Mills' claim about showing baking videos to prove the relationship's existence did not address Langston's core allegations. The judge found that whether or not Mills still possessed intimate materials, Langston had no way of knowing this fact. Her fear and distress were therefore reasonable regardless of the actual status of the videos.

Lessons to Learn

1. Trust warning signs after a breakup. If an ex-partner's behavior escalates following the end of a relationship—including threats, intimidation, or revenge tactics—consider seeking legal and police assistance early. It is vital to document all communication, especially threatening texts or emails.

2. Know your rights regarding intimate content. Any attempt to use private photos or videos for coercion, commonly known as “revenge porn,” is illegal in many jurisdictions. Victims should be encouraged to report these behaviors quickly and pursue protective orders as needed.

3. Recognize that emotional distress matters. Harassment does not need to be physical to qualify as abuse. Courts take emotional and psychological harm seriously, and victims have a right to protection. But no matter the precautions taken, anyone can fall victim to harassment and coercion, and we must avoid blaming those who come forward with their experiences.

Why This Story Matters

This case raises important concerns about the abuse of power and the impact emotional harassment can have—even when physical violence is not involved. As a sitting member of Congress faces legal restrictions imposed by a state court, constituents and broader communities are reminded that no title or position should place someone above the law. Langston’s decision to involve law enforcement and the courts also highlights the tools that are available to those seeking protection from stalkers, harassers, or abusers. Her case sets a precedent that could empower other victims to pursue legal action without fear of retaliation or dismissal.

Conclusion

A Florida judge imposed a restraining order on Rep. Cory Mills on October 14, 2025, at the request of Lindsey Langston, his ex-girlfriend and the reigning Miss United States. Langston stated Mills harassed her after their February breakup and made explicit threats involving private images. The court found Mills' explanations untrustworthy and determined Langston was in danger without legal protection. The restraining order, which extends through the end of 2025, bars Mills from contacting Langston or approaching places she frequents. The case brings attention to emotional coercion, digital abuse, and the importance of victim advocacy in sensitive dating violence cases.