The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office is currently reviewing evidence related to domestic violence allegations against Taylor Frankie Paul, a cast member of the reality television series "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." Draper Police Chief Rich Ferguson confirmed that the City Prosecutor has forwarded the case for evaluation following an alleged incident in February 2026.
The investigation centers on allegations that Paul assaulted Dakota Mortensen during a confrontation at his residence. According to sources familiar with the production, the alleged altercation occurred while the two were spending time together, during which a dispute arose regarding Mortensen's romantic history with another cast member, Shinia Powell. Paul is accused of choking Mortensen and forcibly removing a necklace from his neck.
Chief Ferguson indicated that the District Attorney will determine whether formal charges will be filed in the matter. However, even if the District Attorney declines to prosecute, the City Prosecutor retains the authority to pursue legal action independently.
The allegations carry significant legal implications for Paul, who remains on probation following a previous domestic violence case. In 2023, she entered a guilty plea in abeyance to aggravated assault charges stemming from a separate altercation with Mortensen. Video evidence captured that earlier incident, which resulted in her current probationary status.
The February 2026 incident represents the second alleged assault being investigated by Draper authorities. Additionally, Mortensen reportedly filed a separate complaint last month with the West Jordan Police Department concerning another alleged attack by Paul that occurred in 2024.
The accumulation of multiple allegations raises questions about potential probation violations. A guilty plea in abeyance typically allows defendants to avoid conviction if they successfully complete probation terms without further legal violations. Any new charges could jeopardize that arrangement and result in the original conviction being entered on record.
The District Attorney's Office has not announced a timeline for completing its evaluation of the evidence submitted by Draper police. The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the challenges of addressing repeated allegations within the criminal justice system.