Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her roles in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and the canceled season of “The Bachelorette,” will not face charges following recent altercations with her former partner, as confirmed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.
Authorities in Draper City and West Jordan, suburbs of Salt Lake City, have been investigating reports of domestic violence dating back to 2024 and this past February involving Paul’s ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a two-year-old son. While both parties have made accusations against each other, the focus of the investigation was on the claims made by Mortensen.
The decision not to press charges against Paul was based on the lack of sufficient evidence to support criminal prosecution. Some incidents reported were beyond the legal timeframe for review, and those that were within the timeframe did not meet the criteria for criminal charges.
The ongoing legal battle between Paul and Mortensen includes competing requests for protective orders, which will be addressed in an upcoming hearing. The outcome of the investigation does not directly impact Mortensen’s existing temporary protective order against Paul, which could potentially become permanent after a hearing scheduled for April 30.
Paul’s lawyer, Eric Swinyard, argued in a recent court session that Mortensen was the aggressor in a physical altercation in February, referred to as the “truck tussle.” Mortensen alleged that Paul threw a drink at him during an argument, while Swinyard countered with claims that Mortensen physically assaulted Paul.
The conflict between the couple has been ongoing, with multiple incidents being examined in relation to their protective order requests. The tumultuous nature of their relationship has been highlighted in the media, particularly through their appearances on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which showcased their turbulent interactions.
The decision not to pursue charges against Paul does not impact the previous legal proceedings related to her probation stemming from a 2023 assault on Mortensen. The upcoming court hearing will further determine the resolution of the protective orders and custody arrangements involving their son.