Laura Owens pleads guilty to fraud in fake pregnancy scheme

Laura Owens, the 35-year-old daughter of San Francisco radio personality Ronn Owens, has pleaded guilty to four felony counts following a legal battle involving false pregnancy claims. During a settlement conference in Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix, Owens admitted to two counts of fraudulent schemes and artifices, one count of perjury, and one count of taking the identity of another.

The charges stem from a 2023 paternity petition in which Owens alleged that former ‘The Bachelor’ star Clayton Echard had fathered twins following a one-night stand. Prosecutors stated that Owens supported these claims using a doctored sonogram and a fake pregnancy video. Echard denied the allegations, maintaining that no intercourse occurred.

As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed 10 of the 14 felony counts Owens originally faced, which included allegations of forgery, extortion, and tampering with evidence. While many counts may result in probation, Owens faces potential prison time for the fraudulent schemes charge. She is scheduled for sentencing on October 23.