Scottsdale woman indicted for alleged paternity scheme against ‘Bachelor’ star

PHOENIX – Laura Owens, the Scottsdale woman who allegedly targeted a reality TV star in a paternity scheme, has been indicted for fraud and other charges, authorities announced Tuesday.

Owens, 34, is accused of faking a pregnancy and suing Clayton Echard for child support, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO).

Echard, a Scottsdale real estate agent and former college football player, was a contestant on Season 18 of “The Bachelor” and the star of the popular reality show’s 26th season.

Owens withdrew her claim against Echard in May 2024, alleging she’d experienced a miscarriage.

The following month, MCAO opened an investigation into Owens after being asked to do so by a Superior Court judge.

Why is Laura Owens being charged in paternity scheme?

Investigators found evidence indicating that she altered an ultrasound image, faked a pregnancy video and lied under oath multiple times between May 2023 and June 2024.

Last week, a Maricopa County grand jury indicted Owens on seven felony charges:

• One count of fraudulent schemes and artifices.
• One count of forgery.
• One count of tampering with physical evidence.
• Four counts of perjury.

In a video on his Instagram page, Echard responded to the indictment and thanked prosecutors. He said a “weight of two years” has been lifted off his shoulders.

“Justice is finally served,” he said. “I am absolutely amped to share this news with you all.”

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