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Draper prosecutors announced on Thursday that neither Taylor Frankie Paul nor her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen will face criminal charges related to domestic violence allegations from February, citing insufficient evidence after a joint review by city and county authorities.
The decision follows a February 23 complaint filed by Mortensen accusing Paul of assault, to which she responded with a counterclaim alleging he grabbed her and struck her head against his vehicle’s dashboard. Both parties provided detailed but inconsistent accounts to police, including descriptions of physical injuries such as bruises, scratches and abrasions documented in photographs and bodycam footage reviewed by investigators.
According to police documents, the city prosecutor concluded that neither Paul nor Mortensen were credible witnesses due to contradictory statements, leading to the determination that there was not enough corroborating evidence to support criminal prosecution. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office had previously declined to file charges against Paul two days prior to the city’s announcement.
Paul, a central figure in the Hulu reality series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, has been a prominent yet controversial presence in Utah’s influencer scene since her rise through TikTok’s #MomTok community. She gained national attention in 2022 amid a viral scandal involving alleged “soft swinging” among members of the group, which later contributed to her divorce from ex-husband Tate Paul.
Her relationship with Mortensen, father of her two-year-old son Ever, has been marked by volatility. In 2023, Paul was arrested following a domestic incident at her home, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, and was sentenced to three years of probation set to conclude in August. Footage from that arrest was featured in the premiere of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*’ fourth season, which debuted on Hulu in March.
The show, now in its fourth season, continues to document the personal lives of nine Utah-based women originally known for parenting and lifestyle content on TikTok. Despite ongoing off-camera controversies — including divorce filings, alleged affairs, and public feuds — the series retains strong viewer engagement, with Paul’s unfiltered persona remaining a key draw for audiences.
Neither Paul nor Mortensen offered public comment when contacted by news outlets following the announcement. Police stated they would reopen the investigation only if fresh evidence emerges to support prosecution.
Why did prosecutors decline to file charges in this case?
Prosecutors determined there was insufficient corroborating evidence after reviewing inconsistent statements from both parties, along with police reports, photos, videos, and 911 call audio, which failed to meet the threshold for criminal prosecution.
How does this incident affect Paul’s legal standing from her 2023 arrest?
The February incident did not result in new charges, so her existing three-year probation for aggravated assault — stemming from a separate 2023 arrest — remains unchanged and is set to end in August unless violated.
Will the case be reopened if new evidence emerges?
Yes, Draper police stated they would only pursue the investigation further if additional information is provided that supports the prosecution of either party.
