Full Breakdown
Former “Bachelor” Star’s Accuser Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Pregnancy Scheme
8/31/2026, 3:58:35 AM
The Guilty Plea: Fraudulent Pregnancy Claim
Laura Owens, a 36-year-old Arizona resident, entered a plea agreement admitting guilt to two counts of fraudulent schemes and artifices, one count of taking another’s identity, and one count of perjury. The plea resolves a paternity lawsuit she filed in 2023 alleging that former “Bachelor” lead Clayton Echard fathered her unborn twins after a one-night encounter. Court documents show Owens fabricated an ultrasound image, created a false pregnancy video, and repeatedly lied under oath between May 2023 and June 2024.
Legal Background and Charges
Following a June 2024 ruling by Maricopa County Judge Julie Ann Mata that Owens “knowingly presented a false claim,” the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced in May that a grand jury had indicted her on seven felony counts, including perjury, forgery, tampering with physical evidence, and fraudulent schemes. Subsequent filings added further charges tied to a second alleged victim: an additional perjury count, two counts of taking another’s identity, two forgery counts, and a theft-by-extortion count. Fox 10 Phoenix reported that Owens faces up to 12½ years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for October.
Official Responses
Clayton Echard has consistently denied any sexual contact with Owens, stating that she “fabricated her pregnancy” and that “they never had intercourse.” In an interview with PEOPLE in June 2024, Echard expressed concern that Owens might target others, noting he had learned of two other men who faced similar false claims. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation uncovered the altered ultrasound and video evidence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At the end of the day, I don’t want her to do this ever again to anybody else ... I think she’s shown no signs of stopping,” — Clayton Echard
Next Steps
Owens will appear for sentencing in October, where the court will determine the length of her incarceration based on the felony convictions. The case underscores the legal repercussions for filing false paternity claims and highlights ongoing scrutiny of similar allegations.