Arizona woman sentenced to 30 days for faking two pregnancies

Laura Michelle Owens received a 30 day jail sentence in an Arizona courtroom on Friday.

The verdict concludes a multi year legal dispute centered on two fabricated pregnancies. Owens, a 36 year old California native currently residing in Arizona, falsely claimed she was carrying the child of Clayton Ray Echard. Echard, 33, appeared as a star on the television series The Bachelor. He also resides in Arizona.

Prosecutors stated that Owens initiated a paternity suit against Echard in 2023 to secure child support. The legal action generated widespread media attention following the 2022 season of the show. Owens subsequently withdrew the lawsuit after reporting a miscarriage. A judge then referred the matter to Maricopa County prosecutors after identifying inconsistencies in Owens statements.

Investigators found that Owens modified an ultrasound image and created a video to simulate pregnancy. They also determined she lied under oath. The probe expanded to include a second man, Greg Gillespie, who dated Owens briefly. Prosecutors alleged Owens used false documents to claim a second pregnancy after their relationship ended. Gillespie dated Owens three times and ended the romance after the third meeting. Eleven days after their final sexual encounter, Owens contacted him to announce the pregnancy.

Owens entered a plea agreement in August. She pleaded guilty to two counts of fraudulent schemes, one count of perjury, and one count of taking the identity of another. Remaining charges were dismissed. During sentencing, prosecutors described Owens conduct as psychological warfare. They noted she sent hundreds of text messages to support her claims. In the case involving Gillespie, Owens sent an image of what she said was an ultrasound showing twins. Gillespie later determined the image was sourced from the internet.

Echard discussed the outcome on the Off The Vine podcast. He stated he was surprised by the guilty plea. We were just, like, what the hell?, he said. Echard suggested Owens targeted him because of his television exposure and considered targeting local men with greater financial resources.

Owens attorney did not respond to a request for comment. The Maricopa County Attorney s Office also declined to comment on the sentencing.