Representative Max Miller (R-OH) is currently facing intense scrutiny due to allegations of physical abuse and aggressive behavior raised by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, amidst an escalating custody dispute over their 2-year-old daughter. The allegations have led to an active child welfare investigation in northeast Ohio, a development that surfaces as the Republican congressman seeks re-election for another term in office.
"It is unfortunate that @berniemoreno continues to fund and enable his daughter’s malicious campaign to ruin my life despite his knowledge of her mental health issues.Bernie, this must be distracting from your job. These antics harm your own grandchild. Anytime you want to put a…" — Max Miller, U.S. Representative (R-OH)
Bay Village police have confirmed that they are investigating a suspected child abuse complaint connected to the ongoing dispute. However, authorities have not yet announced any charges or publicly identified a suspect in connection with the investigation. The details of the probe emerged through court filings tied to Miller’s legal battle with Moreno, who is the daughter of Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno (R).
The allegations became public after Emily Moreno filed court documents seeking modifications to the couple’s existing custody arrangement for their daughter. In these filings, Moreno accused Miller of engaging in "dangerous physical behavior" while their child was present and described his conduct toward her as aggressive and demeaning. She further argued that the current joint custody arrangement was no longer workable, citing ongoing conflict between the two that she claimed could negatively impact their daughter, according to reports from TiffinOhio.net.
Additional reporting has detailed separate allegations of physical abuse that Moreno claims occurred during their marriage. These reports include an incident where Moreno alleged Miller physically grabbed her during a custody exchange in February. In another alleged argument in 2024, she claimed Miller threw boiling water, resulting in visible burns. Photographs purportedly showing bruising and redness, allegedly linked to these incidents, were published by the Daily Mail.
Representative Miller has vehemently denied all allegations. Through public statements and court filings, Miller has asserted that the accusations are false and politically motivated. He has referenced prior child services reviews, which he states did not substantiate claims against him. Furthermore, Miller has released materials that he argues contradict portions of Moreno’s account, including surveillance footage and audio recordings from the period following some of the alleged incidents, as reported by DNYUZ. Miller has also posted screenshots of what he claims is Emily Moreno attempting to extort him to see his child, and transcripts of audio recordings suggesting an amicable relationship days after alleged abuse, questioning why he would be invited to "sleep over if this happened."
The legal conflict has also broadened to include competing accusations regarding injuries sustained by the couple’s daughter. Miller disclosed in court that the child had previously suffered a broken collarbone and bruising, which prompted a child welfare review by Cuyahoga County authorities. He maintains that he was ultimately cleared in that specific investigation and has, in turn, accused Moreno of withholding information about another injury involving their daughter’s hand. Moreno, however, disputes Miller’s version of these events, maintaining that the incidents occurred while the child was in his care.
Attorneys representing both sides have engaged in sharp exchanges in public statements concerning the custody case. Moreno’s lawyer has accused Miller of attempting to weaponize the court system against his ex-wife. Conversely, Miller’s legal team has stated that the allegations brought against the congressman have repeatedly failed to produce evidence to support the abuse claims. Miller’s attorneys have also highlighted a restraining order that was previously granted against Moreno during the broader course of the dispute. Miller also publicly tweeted, addressing Senator Bernie Moreno, stating, "It is unfortunate that @berniemoreno continues to fund and enable his daughter’s malicious campaign to ruin my life despite his knowledge of her mental health issues.Bernie, this must be distracting from your job. These antics harm your own grandchild. Anytime you want to put a…"
This controversy has also drawn renewed attention to earlier allegations concerning Miller’s personal conduct. In 2021, Stephanie Grisham, who served as press secretary for President Donald Trump, accused Miller of abusive behavior during a past relationship. Miller denied those claims at the time and later pursued legal action against Grisham over statements made in connection with her memoir.
Representative Miller, who previously worked in President Donald Trump’s administration before his election to Congress in 2022, remains on the ballot as he seeks to secure another term representing Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. While no criminal charges have been filed in the current case, the ongoing investigation and the public nature of the allegations have intensified scrutiny surrounding the congressman as the custody battle continues to unfold.
