Laura Owens pleads guilty to felony fraud and perjury charges

Laura Owens has pleaded guilty to four felony counts related to a fraudulent scheme involving former ‘The Bachelor’ star Clayton Echard. The charges include two Class 2 felonies for fraudulent schemes and artifices, one Class 4 felony for perjury, and one Class 4 felony for identity theft.

Owens had previously accused Echard of fathering unborn twins, a claim that was part of a multi-year legal battle. Echard, who described the ordeal as a “nightmare” that lasted three and a half years, stated that while the guilty plea was a major moment, he felt “numb and emotionless” following the hearing. He noted that he has focused on building resilience through the adversity.

The legal proceedings involved claims that Owens used the court system to harm Echard and Greg Gillespie by fabricating a pregnancy. Sentencing for Owens is pending and will be determined by a judge, with potential outcomes including jail time or probation.