Utah DA Declines to File Charges Against 'Mormon Wives' Star Taylor Frankie Paul

Prosecutors cite lack of evidence in domestic violence allegations against Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked cell phone screen, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the evidence at the heart of a domestic violence investigation.The damaged technology at the center of a contentious domestic dispute exposes the harsh realities of intimate partner violence.Draper Today

Prosecutors in Utah have declined to file charges against 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star Taylor Frankie Paul over allegations of domestic violence against her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office said some incidents were barred by the statute of limitations, while others lacked sufficient evidence to support criminal charges. Both Paul and Mortensen have made domestic violence allegations against each other, leading to multiple investigations.

Why it matters

The decision not to file charges highlights the complexities and challenges in prosecuting domestic violence cases, especially when there are allegations on both sides. It also raises questions about the impact on the reality TV show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' which has depicted the pair's tumultuous relationship.

The details

According to the district attorney's office, some of the alleged 'misdemeanor offenses' happened more than two years ago and were barred by the statute of limitations. More recent incidents not barred by the statute of limitations did not rise to the level of being considered crimes, and others lacked evidence. Both Paul and Mortensen have filed temporary protective orders against each other, and Paul previously pleaded guilty in abeyance to one charge of aggravated assault related to a 2023 arrest.

  • In 2023, Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to one charge of aggravated assault.
  • In 2024 and May 2025, Mortensen made allegations of domestic violence against Paul.
  • In February 2026, both Paul and Mortensen called police and lodged further allegations of domestic violence against each other.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

The star of the reality TV show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' who was under investigation for allegations of domestic violence against her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

Dakota Mortensen

The ex-boyfriend of Taylor Frankie Paul who was also investigated for allegations of domestic violence against her.

Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul due to lack of evidence.

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What they’re saying

“The remaining incidents lack sufficient evidence to support filing criminal charges where the state must be able to prove such allegations beyond a reasonable date.”

— Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office

What’s next

The contentious relationship between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen has affected the filming of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' which was paused last month amid new domestic violence probes of Paul. Cast members have expressed concerns about continuing the show if Paul remains involved.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of domestic violence allegations, especially when there are claims on both sides. The decision not to file charges underscores the high bar for proving such cases beyond a reasonable doubt, even when there is a history of reported incidents. It also raises questions about the impact on the reality TV show depicting the couple's relationship.