Salt Lake County prosecutors are reviewing potential enhanced charges against reality television personality Taylor Frankie Paul following a recent alleged domestic violence incident that may have violated the terms of her 2023 plea agreement.
Salt Lake City District Attorney Sim Gill confirmed on Monday, March 23, that his office has requested all investigative materials to evaluate the most recent allegations. The significance of this review stems from Paul's existing plea in abeyance for a previous domestic violence offense, which could result in enhanced charges if prosecutors move forward with the current case.
"We made the request because of the potential that if charges are filed, they could be enhanced due to a prior plea in abeyance to a domestic violence offense," Gill stated.
The Draper City Police Department has confirmed an open domestic assault investigation involving Paul and her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a two-year-old son named Ever. According to the department, allegations have been made by both parties, and contact was established with involved individuals on February 24 and 25.
The investigation has already had significant professional consequences for Paul, who stars in the Hulu reality series 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.' Production on the show's fifth season has been paused as the legal situation develops.
Paul addressed the situation during a press dinner in New York City on Tuesday, March 17, defending her role as a parent. "The mother that I am, that is something I will always stand my ground on. I believe that I am a good mother and I have always treated my kids very well," she stated. "The headlines that are out right now are very hard to see because that is not the truth of it. I have always treated my children with respect and I have never touched them."
The current investigation comes as Paul remains under a 36-month probation period stemming from a 2023 incident. In that case, Paul was originally arrested and charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief. She subsequently pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault in exchange for dismissal of the remaining charges.
Under the terms of her plea agreement, the aggravated assault charge would be reduced to a misdemeanor in August 2026, provided Paul adhered to specific conditions, including not violating any laws. Her probation is scheduled to conclude on August 24, 2026.
Legal experts have indicated that the recent allegations could have serious implications for Paul's existing plea agreement. Criminal defense attorney R.J. Dreiling, a former Los Angeles County prosecutor in the family violence unit, explained the gravity of the situation on Thursday.
"When someone is on probation for a violent offense, few things are worse than picking up another arrest for a crime of violence — especially when both cases involve allegations of domestic abuse," Dreiling stated. "Even if there ultimately is not enough to formally charge her in the most recent case, the prosecutor could still treat it as a probation violation, potentially moving to revoke her prior deal and seek custody time."
Mortensen has denied any wrongdoing in the recent incident. In a statement issued on Thursday, he said, "As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation. I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same."
According to court documents obtained on Friday, March 20, Mortensen has been awarded temporary custody of the couple's son and has obtained a temporary protective order against Paul.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office continues to review investigative materials, and a decision on whether to file enhanced charges is pending. The case represents a significant legal development for Paul, whose previous plea agreement now hangs in the balance as prosecutors evaluate whether the recent allegations constitute a violation of her probation terms.