TALLAHASSEE, Florida — In a decisive legal development, north Florida Circuit Judge Fred Koberlein has issued a restraining order against Representative Cory Mills following accusations from former girlfriend and Miss United States 2024, Lindsay Langston. The central Florida Republican faces allegations of threatening to release sexually explicit videos, causing substantial distress to Langston.

Circuit Judge Koberlein mandated that Mills must not attempt any form of contact with Langston, a Republican state committee woman from Columbia County. According to the judge's Tuesday ruling, the evidence substantiated Langston’s claims that Mills’ behaviors had inflicted significant emotional turmoil. The judge emphasized that Mills provided “no credible rebuttal” to her worrisome testimony.

The court’s decision includes prohibiting Mills from visiting Langston’s residence or workplace and from mentioning her directly on social media platforms. This injunction will remain active in the state of Florida until January 2026.

During the legal proceedings, which featured two extensive hearings in Lake City, both parties were subjected to detailed questioning over their past relationship and a series of communications that included text messages, phone calls, and direct messages. Judge Koberlein found Mills' explanations regarding the intimate videos untruthful, stating that even if his account were accurate, it did not change the fact that Langston was unaware of the current whereabouts of the videos.

The controversy surrounding Mills has been escalating, marked by previous allegations of assault and an ongoing ethics investigation regarding his potential benefit from federal government contracts. Despite these challenges, Mills has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In court, Mills attempted to downplay the severity of the situation by claiming the mentioned videos were innocuous and merely showed Langston baking. He argued that his career was at stake and dismissed the idea of releasing any compromising material. Furthermore, Mills clarified that his reference to a future boyfriend needing to “strap up cowboy” was a benign rodeo expression, implying readiness for a challenging situation rather than a threat.

This restraining order adds to a tumultuous year for Mills, who first assumed office in 2022 after redistricting efforts created a new, GOP-favorable district. His electoral campaigns have been significantly supported by James Blair, a GOP consultant and deputy chief of staff for President Donald Trump, who plays a crucial role in promoting the president’s legislative agenda.

The situation continues to develop as both the political and personal ramifications for Mills remain uncertain, casting a long shadow over his career and personal life.