Clayton Echard vs Laura Owens: Here's what you need to know as MCAO begins investigation into 'Bachelor' scandal

A judge ruled that Owens' claims were false and referred the case to the County Attorney’s Office.

PUBLISHED AUG 16, 2024

As the legal battle progressed, Owens’ claims unraveled, leading to her becoming the subject of a criminal investigation.

Phoenix, Arizona: The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is investigating a woman who accused former 'The Bachelor' star Clayton Echard of fathering her twins. The woman, Laura Owens, claimed she became pregnant after an encounter with Echard, but later alleged she had a miscarriage. A family court judge, however, ruled that her claims were false and referred the case to the County Attorney’s Office for further review.

The case began in August 2022, when Owens filed a paternity suit in Maricopa County Superior Court, alleging that Echard, the star of season 26 of the popular reality show, was the father of her twins. However, as the legal battle progressed, Owens’ claims unraveled, leading to her becoming the subject of a criminal investigation.

In a recent update, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell described the case as “exceptional” due to its unusual nature. Although it is not uncommon for family court judges to refer cases to the County Attorney’s Office for potential perjury charges, the specifics of this case have drawn significant attention.

Echard has consistently denied Owens’ allegations, stating that while they did meet, they never engaged in sexual intercourse. (Photo: ABC)

Echard has consistently denied Owens’ allegations, stating that while they did meet, they never engaged in sexual intercourse. He expressed shock at Owens’ court filing, describing the experience as a public ordeal where he was presumed guilty before proving his innocence.

As the court proceedings unfolded, Owens eventually claimed she had miscarried and filed a motion to dismiss the paternity suit. However, Echard pursued the case to clear his name. Judge Julie Mata issued a 19-page ruling, concluding that Owens knowingly presented a false claim and had a history of similar behavior. The judge referred Owens to the County Attorney’s Office for possible criminal prosecution.

Echard later revealed that he had encountered other men who had faced similar paternity allegations from Owens, some dating back nearly a decade. He expressed hope that Owens would finally be held accountable for her actions.

Despite admitting to altering medical records during an evidentiary hearing this summer, Owens continues to assert the validity of her pregnancy claim. Her attorney confirmed plans to appeal the judge’s ruling. The investigation remains active as the County Attorney’s Office reviews the case for potential criminal prosecution.