Taylor Frankie Paul facing third domestic violence investigation, police say

WEST JORDAN, Utah (KTVX) — Reality television star Taylor Frankie Paul is under investigation following allegations of a third domestic violence incident involving her and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.

Paul and Mortensen are known for their roles on the reality TV series “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Paul was also set to be this year’s star on “The Bachelorette,” but ABC pulled the newest season last week.

The West Jordan Police Department confirmed to Nexstar’s KTVX that it is handling an investigation regarding Paul and Mortensen from 2024. This is the third report of a domestic violence incident involving the couple.

FILE – Taylor Frankie Paul arrives at the 58th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

According to officials, Mortensen contacted them last month regarding the 2024 incident. A police spokesperson told NBC News that multiple videos connected to the alleged incident are under investigation. Investigators have spoken to Paul’s attorney, the spokesperson said, and are now hoping she will come in for an interview or provide a written statement.

Around the same time Mortensen contacted West Jordan police, the Draper City Police Department confirmed it was investigating Mortensen and Paul for an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred at the end of February.

Paul was previously charged with aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief in connection with a 2023 incident. Police body camera footage from that incident appeared in the first-ever episode of the Utah-based series, “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” the same year.

Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to aggravated assault, reducing her sentence, so long as she follows the terms of her probation. A final reviewing hearing set for early August of this year would have marked the end of that probation. It’s unclear if the new allegations will impact that.

The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed to KTVX that they are investigating the most recent allegations, and if potential charges are filed, they could be enhanced due to a prior guilty plea to a domestic violence offense.

Since the 2023 incident, Paul and Mortensen have had a public on-again, off-again relationship both on their social media channels and on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

Mortensen currently has a temporary protective order against Paul, stipulating that she cannot have contact with him and must not “abuse or threaten to abuse” him. He has been granted temporary custody of their shared child.

Paul is not being allowed any parent time or visitation until the protective order hearing on April 7. The hearing could determine whether the court grants a final protective order.

Mortensen has filed for a cohabitant protective order, which means the court must find that he has a reasonable fear of future harm, abuse, or domestic violence at the hands of Paul.

© The Hill

visit website