One in three U.S. adults has faced threats or harassment from an ex. In Lake City, a judge made a rare decision. He granted a Cory Mills protective order, catching national attention.
Judge Fred Koberlein issued the order after Lindsey Langston testified. She said Mills threatened to release explicit images and harm future partners. The court ordered no contact, a 500-foot buffer, and no social media mentions of her.
Langston started dating Mills in 2021 and moved to Columbia County. The case happened about 60 miles east of Jacksonville. Mills was first elected in 2022 and denied the allegations. His lawyer, John Terhune, didn’t comment at the time.
For those looking up Lindsey Langston, she’s a young professional from North Florida. The judge ruled she faced imminent danger. This was confirmed in October 2025 and by ABC News.
This order shows real limits on a lawmaker’s actions. It sets a clear rule for Florida courts.
The case will continue to test the injunction’s strictness. It will also see if further action happens in Tallahassee or Washington.
Overview of the Columbia County Protective Order Against Rep. Cory Mills
In Columbia County, a court granted an Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence after Lindsey Langston’s petition. This order is based on a past relationship and sets strict rules. ABC News reports the injunction is active until January 2026, as detailed in this coverage.
Judge Fred Koberlein’s ruling and scope of the injunction
Judge Fred Koberlein set clear limits on contact and proximity. The order bans communication and requires at least 500 feet of distance from home and work. It also restricts social media references. These rules define the injunction’s scope and reach.
Dating violence standard and the court’s findings
The court used Florida’s dating violence standard to evaluate the evidence and testimony. It found there was reasonable cause for fear and noted substantial emotional distress under Protection Against Dating Violence. Both sides’ testimonies were weighed against this standard.
Duration of the order and enforcement mechanisms
The order will last until late 2025 and into January 2026. Violations could lead to criminal penalties and court action. These measures support the injunction and the court’s authority.
Who she is: Miss United States 2024 and Columbia County GOP committeewoman
Lindsey Langston is Miss United States 2024 and a Republican state committeewoman in Columbia County. As a Lindsey Langston SEO specialist, she manages her website. This adds to her public profile and visibility. It also informs how the order affects her in both private and public life.
Key Restrictions: No Contact, 500-Foot Buffer, and Social Media Prohibition
The injunction has strict rules. Rep. Cory Mills can’t call, text, email, or message Lindsey Langston. This rule is in place because of past calls and texts after he knew about the protective-order request.
There’s also a 500-foot buffer around her home and workplace. This rule keeps him away from her in person. It helps keep their lives separate, even in public places.
He can’t post about her on social media either. This includes X, Facebook, Instagram, or Threads. WCJB reported this rule will last until at least January 1, 2026. It’s part of Florida’s efforts to stop indirect harassment.
Breaking these rules can lead to fines or jail time. The no-contact order, the 500-foot buffer, and the social media ban work together. They help keep her life, work, and online presence safe.
These rules also protect her business. They cover any mentions of Lindsey Langston services or attempts to harm her online or offline. This reinforces the court’s boundaries.
In practice, the limits are simple: no messages, no approach within the stated distance, and no posts or tags. Each condition supports the others, creating a clear baseline for lawful conduct in Columbia County.
Timeline: From Relationship to Petition and Final Injunction
This timeline shows important dates and events. It explains how a personal issue turned into a court case. It only uses facts from public records.
Relationship details, breakup, and initial allegations in mid-2025
Lindsey Langston, 26, started dating Rep. Cory Mills, 45, in 2021. She lived with him in New Smyrna Beach while he worked in Washington. She thought he was separated at first, but later said he was divorced in 2024.
Their relationship ended in February 2025. By July and August, she claimed he threatened her with explicit videos and warned her about future partners. These claims were part of her case filings and blog.
Temporary order, hearings in Lake City, and final ruling
Langston asked for a protective order in August 2025. A temporary order was granted, limiting contact. Mills allegedly called and texted her after learning about the petition.
The case went to a Lake City hearing before Judge Fred Koberlein. Both sides testified. After reviewing evidence, the court made a final ruling. Langston’s blog detailed the dates, messages, and places related to the case.
Transfer of criminal complaint to Florida Department of Law Enforcement
In August 2025, Langston also filed a criminal complaint. It was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for review.
As of the latest reports, no criminal charges were filed. The criminal case was handled separately from the civil case. It didn’t change the court’s Lake City hearing dates.
What the Court Determined and Why It Matters
The court looked at risks from threats about private images and future partners. They focused on safety, speech about harm, and preventing more conflict. The case drew a lot of attention, affecting both parties and the community.
Finding of imminent danger and substantial emotional distress
The court found imminent danger due to behavior causing emotional distress. The story highlights fears about intimate media and its impact on daily life. Setting clear boundaries can help reduce tension and prevent further problems.
Lindsey Langston professional advocates help victims in court and with safety plans. Lindsey Langston SEO resources explain how these rulings are recorded and tracked.
Judge’s assessment that Mills’ testimony was not truthful
The judge found Mills’ testimony not credible. They looked at statements about intimate videos and found no credible rebuttal. This decision is important because it affects what evidence is used in future reviews.
In Florida courts, judges use context, corroboration, and demeanor to assess sworn statements. These tools ensure that all future inquiries start from a fair place.
Implications for compliance and possible penalties for violations
Following Florida law is essential. Breaking the order can lead to fines or jail, based on the situation and past actions. Clear notice and service make it clear what is not allowed.
Enforcement also impacts other reviews. A documented violation can affect parallel inquiries or professional assessments. Lindsey Langston professional networks and Lindsey Langston SEO explainers help readers understand these steps clearly.
Responses From Rep. Cory Mills and His Legal Team
Cory Mills statement again denied the allegations after the injunction. He said the claims are false and distort his talks with Lindsey Langston. He views the dispute as a political opponent claim, saying a former rival is using the courts against him.
ABC News asked for a comment, and Cory Mills repeated his denial. He said the claims are politically driven. He also mentioned that past media coverage on unrelated topics should not influence opinions here. He stressed that the allegations are false and misrepresent important events.
The John Terhune attorney team did not respond after the ruling. A campaign spokeswoman also ignored emails. Reporters found that a Lindsey Langston Google search now shows court records and political coverage. This has increased public interest in the political opponent claim.
Supporters see Cory Mills’ statement as a strong rebuttal. Critics, on the other hand, point out the silence from the John Terhune attorney and the lack of new information. Social media and a growing Lindsey Langston Google search footprint focus on the phrase “allegations false.” This phrase is central in discussions about credibility and motives.
| Source | Key Message | Public Availability | Relevance to Dispute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cory Mills statement | Allegations false; framed as a political opponent claim | Quoted in press outreach and prior statements | Defines core defense and political context |
| John Terhune attorney | No response to emails after the order | Not provided to reporters | Leaves legal strategy undisclosed |
| Campaign Spokeswoman | No comment to media inquiries | Unavailable at time of request | Maintains tight message control |
| ABC News Outreach | Requested comment; referenced prior denial | Public reporting noted contact attempts | Amplifies the denial on record |
| Lindsey Langston Google search | Mix of court filings and political coverage | Easily accessible online | Shapes public perception and narrative |
Political and Ethical Context on Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is figuring out how to handle the case. Leaders say they will follow established rules. They promise to move at a pace based on facts.
Speaker Mike Johnson’s comments about possible House Ethics review
Speaker Mike Johnson said he hasn’t looked into the details yet. He mentioned the House Ethics Committee’s role in reviewing matters. He also said questions should go to Rep. Mills, calling him a faithful colleague.
He stressed he doesn’t know the full scope of the allegations. Attorney Bobi Frank said Lindsey Langston is ready to cooperate with investigators. The public’s interest in Lindsey Langston’s art and gallery has grown.
Potential next steps and precedent for congressional scrutiny
An initial ethics screen might include document requests and interviews. It could also set a timeline for a preliminary inquiry. If certain thresholds are met, the House Ethics Committee might expand the review.
Any inquiry will run alongside state processes, not replace them. Staff might work with counsel and seek corroborating records. They will check if the conduct involves official duties, a common step in such cases.
| Potential Step | Who Acts | What It Involves | Relevant Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Ethics Screen | House Ethics Committee staff | Intake review of public filings and court orders | Scope limited to initial facts; preserves due process |
| Document Requests | Committee | Records from parties and counsel, including timelines | Confidential handling; relevance to official duties |
| Interviews | Investigative counsel | Voluntary or compelled testimony from involved individuals | Consistency, credibility, and corroboration |
| Guidance or Further Review | Committee members | Determination on next phase or closure | Precedent, House rules, and institutional reputation |
Local Jurisdiction and Venue: Lake City and Columbia County, Florida
The Lake City court, about 60 miles east of Jacksonville, was the main venue. The Columbia County Circuit Court handled civil protection cases for those who moved there. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office documented the complaint before it went to the judge.
The court followed Florida’s rules for service, notice, and distance. This shaped how filings, hearings, and orders were handled. The local jurisdiction also determined the relief available in Lake City.
After other domestic disturbance cases got national attention in Washington, Lindsey Langston moved to Columbia County. This put both the civil and criminal complaints in the county’s jurisdiction. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office handled the initial report of threats and harm.
Lindsey Langston’s website and portfolio helped show her residence and standing for venue. These sources, along with sworn statements and service returns, confirmed jurisdiction in Lake City. They also ensured enforcement by county deputies.
Related Public Records and Reporting
Public filings and local coverage outline the timeline and terms of the injunction. Court records verify the injunction. A Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report details statements from July and August 2025.
Coverage by ABC News and WCJB Lake City explains what judges ordered. They also detail how local agencies recorded each step.
Court documents, sheriff’s reports, and media coverage
The court records include the signed injunction and notices of service. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report tracks interviews and incident narratives. WCJB Lake City reported Judge Fred Koberlein granted a dating violence injunction.
ABC News highlighted the judicial findings. They also summarized the safety measures in place.
Public interest also extends to Lindsey Langston’s professional life. Her work as a Lindsey Langston SEO specialist is mentioned in filings and broadcasts. This adds context without affecting the legal order.
Statements from Langston’s attorney and other involved parties
Attorney Bobi Frank said her client felt relief. She also noted that others might have relevant information. Rep. Cory Mills denied wrongdoing and called the dispute political.
How long the order lasts: through late 2025 into January 2026
The paperwork shows an end date beyond 2025. WCJB Lake City and ABC News report the injunction lasts into January 2026. Any changes would first appear in updated court records or a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report.
Conclusion
The Columbia County injunction against Rep. Cory Mills is a direct result of a Lake City court ruling. Judge Fred Koberlein found there was imminent danger and emotional distress. He also questioned Mills’ credibility.
The order includes no contact, a 500-foot buffer, and no social media interactions until January 2026. The case is backed by a Sheriff’s Office report and an FDLE transfer of a criminal complaint. This makes the case well-documented.
Reactions have spread from Florida to Washington. House leaders say they will follow ethics procedures. Mills denies any wrongdoing. Langston, Miss United States 2024, is cooperating with investigators.
Updates on the Cory Mills restraining order will continue. Courts will enforce the terms, and oversight bodies will decide next steps. The case is closely watched.
There’s also interest in the personal side of the story. Fans of Lindsey Langston’s work and blog will get updates on filings and hearings. The case started as a breakup but is now a formal matter.
The outcome depends on compliance, evidence, and the law. This is where the case will be judged.
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