Clayton Echard‘s long-running legal battle over a disputed pregnancy claim has taken a major turn, with accuser Laura Owens finally admitting to multiple felony offenses. The development comes years after the former “Bachelor” star fought allegations that he had fathered twins.
Echard previously said he wanted more than a courtroom victory, arguing that accountability was necessary to prevent anyone else from enduring a similar ordeal.
Former “Bachelor” star Clayton Echard’s accuser has pleaded guilty in the pregnancy fraud case that began with claims he fathered her unborn twins.
Laura Owens entered a plea agreement on August 28, pleading guilty to two counts of fraudulent schemes and artifices, one count of taking the identity of another, and one count of perjury. The 36-year-old now faces up to 12-and-a-half years behind bars, with sentencing reportedly set for October.
The process started when Owens filed a paternity lawsuit against Echard in 2023. She alleged she became pregnant with twins after a one-night stand with the reality star. Echard denied fathering the children and maintained that the pair never had sexual intercourse.
In June 2024, Arizona Judge Julie Ann Mata ruled that Owens had “knowingly presented a false claim.” Prosecutors later alleged she altered an ultrasound image, fabricated a pregnancy video and repeatedly lied under oath between May 2023 and June 2024. A grand jury indicted Owens on seven felony charges in May 2025. She pleaded not guilty at the time.
Echard Demanded ‘Accountability’ After Winning Paternity Case
Echard made it clear in 2024 that simply winning his paternity case was not enough.
Speaking to PEOPLE after the ruling, the former “Bachelor” lead said “accountability needed to be had” and expressed concern that another person could eventually face a similar ordeal. Echard claimed he was the fourth known victim and wanted legal consequences to follow.
The reality star described the court’s decision as almost difficult to process after the dispute had consumed roughly a year of his life. However, one part of the outcome meant more to him than anything else.
Judge Mata referred the matter to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for further review, a move Echard called his “ultimate win.” His family also stood firmly behind him. Echard said they attended the court hearing and were “absolutely elated” by the outcome.
Clayton Echard Said Two Other Men Came Forward With Similar Stories
3Echard later shared more details about how his encounter with Owens began and claimed other men had similar experiences.
Speaking to “Inside Edition” in October 2025, Echard said Owens initially contacted him about purchasing a house he was selling in Arizona. He admitted they had a brief romantic encounter and acknowledged that he should not have crossed a professional boundary.
According to Echard, Owens emailed him 11 days later saying she was pregnant. He claimed she subsequently sent him ultrasounds and later appeared pregnant in a video. The former reality star alleged the images were fake and claimed Owens had taken medication to make herself appear bloated. He eventually demanded a paternity test, which he said vindicated him months later.
Echard also revealed that two other men had contacted him with strikingly similar stories. He said they claimed Owens had accused them of getting her pregnant with twins as well. His warning at the time was stark: “She’s still, you know, probably looking for her next victim.”
Laura Owens’ Plea Deal Reveals Second Man At Center Of Fraud Case
Owens’ plea agreement not only resolves charges connected to Echard. Prosecutors said she faced 14 felony counts involving alleged fake pregnancies connected to two men. Under the agreement, she admitted guilt to four charges while the remaining 10 will be dismissed.
Two of those charges concern Gregory Gillespie, whom Owens briefly dated in 2021. The cases became connected in part because Gillespie and Echard shared the same family law attorney, Gregg Woodnick.
Clayton Echard Says He Has Already ‘Healed’ From Laura Owens Saga
3After Owens finally admitted guilt, Echard said the August 28 hearing initially left him feeling “numb and emotionless.” Speaking on TikTok the following day, the former “Bachelor” star described the outcome as “anticlimactic” despite calling Owens’ plea the first time she had taken accountability in the matter.
After reflecting overnight, Echard said he understood why the courtroom development had not produced the emotional release he might once have expected.
“My healing was not contingent upon what occurred yesterday,” he explained. “I have already healed.”
Echard even expressed gratitude for what he endured, crediting the experience with strengthening his resilience and helping him find a supportive community. He also said it taught him the “power of presence” and gave him greater insight.
Despite everything the ordeal brought, Echard said he would go through it “1,000 times over” because he is proud of the person he became along the way.
