Ronn Owens’ daughter takes plea deal in ‘Bachelor’ case
San Francisco Chronicle • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Laura Owens, daughter of Bay Area radio host Ronn Owens, pleaded guilty to four felonies related to false pregnancy claims involving former “Bachelor” star Clayton Echard and another man, resolving two criminal cases with a total of 14 felony charges.
- Owens admitted to two counts of fraudulent schemes and artifices, one count of perjury, and one count of identity theft, while prosecutors dropped the other 10 charges as part of the plea deal; sentencing is scheduled for October 23.
- The charges stem from Owens' 2023 paternity claim against Echard, which a judge ruled was pursued in bad faith with fabricated evidence, and a similar 2021 false pregnancy claim against another Scottsdale man.
- Investigators found Owens altered an ultrasound image, fabricated a pregnancy video, and lied under oath, leading to grand jury indictments on multiple felony counts including fraud, forgery, and tampering with evidence.
- The case attracted significant media attention, including a 10-part podcast series, and is separate from recent financial scrutiny and bankruptcy issues involving Owens' parents.
