Valley Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Alleged Pregnancy Fraud Case Against Former 'Bachelor' Star

PHOENIX, AZ — A Valley woman accused of faking a pregnancy to defraud Clayton Echard, a former star of ABC's "The Bachelor," entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment in a Maricopa County courtroom on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The woman, identified as Laura Owens, faces felony charges stemming from allegations that she fabricated evidence, including an altered ultrasound image and a pregnancy video, to falsely claim Echard fathered her child.

According to court documents and statements from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, investigators believe Owens engaged in a scheme between May 2023 and June 2024 to deceive Echard and the court. The accusations include altering medical imagery, creating fraudulent videos, and lying under oath during paternity proceedings. The investigation began in July 2024 at the request of a Superior Court judge, who raised concerns about the authenticity of evidence presented in the case.

Echard, a Scottsdale-based real estate agent who appeared on two seasons of "The Bachelor" franchise, has publicly expressed relief at the legal developments. In an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix earlier this month, he stated, “A weight has been lifted,” describing the toll the ordeal had taken on him. Owens, in a lengthy statement, denied the allegations, claiming the charges were driven by “intense public pressure” and a narrative not grounded in fact, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Echard’s public profile and the serious nature of the accusations. Prosecutors allege Owens’ actions were intended to defraud Echard, though specific details about the nature of the alleged fraud, such as financial or emotional damages, have not been fully disclosed in public records.

Owens’ not guilty plea sets the stage for a contentious legal battle, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for later this year. Legal experts suggest the case could hinge on forensic analysis of the allegedly falsified evidence and testimony regarding Owens’ intent.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to comment further on the ongoing case, citing active litigation. Echard has not issued additional public statements since the arraignment.

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