EXCLUSIVE: Radio Host Accused of Misusing $137,000 Medical GoFundMe Donations — After Daughter's Alleged Pregnancy Hoax Against 'Bachelor' Star
Ronn Owens is the father of Laura Owens, who was accused of a pregnancy hoax against Clayton Echard.
Aug. 7 2026, Published 5:45 p.m. ET
After his daughter was charged last year in Maricopa County with 14 felony counts of fraud, perjury, and evidence tampering, Ronn Owens was accused of misappropriating $137,000 worth of GoFundMe donations, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Bay Area radio legend and Radio Hall of Fame recipient received the donations in 2024 after retiring with Parkinson's disease. The funds were meant to help him "navigate this difficult times," but financial documents show the money might have been funneled toward his daughter, Laura Owens.
Laura is the alleged perpetrator of a pregnancy hoax against The Bachelor's Clayton Echard.
Ronn Owens' Financial History Exposed
Ronn Owens allegedly spent over $100,000 on non-medical related purchase.
Ronn, who returned from KGO radio station, described a 23-year battle with Parkinson's disease, multiple bouts of cancer, and serious heart issues. Those medical concerns, he claimed, resulted in financial hardship. Fans attempted to help him out with donations.
However, when the 80-year-old and his wife filed for bankruptcy, their actual spending was revealed. According to court documents obtained by Radar, the couple spent $61,654.75 in mortgage payments and $44,375 in capital contributions to their LLCs over 18 months.
The total spend on healthcare and pharmacy-related expenses was only $17,209 over that period, as revealed through eight reviewed bank accounts.
Ronn spent money in additional non-medical areas, too, including consumer credit card payments, transfers to adult family members, and retail and online shopping.
Cash Gifts Allegedly Sent to Daughter Laura Owens
Ronn Owens allegedly sent his daughter, Laura, nearly $20,000.
According to the United States Trustee in the District of Arizona, Ronn and his wife twice "stated under oath" that there were no gifts over $600 per person within two years before the petition date of the bankruptcy.
However, the financial document "discloses $19,608 in gifts to daughter Laura Owens."
They added, "Collection from Laura Owens is already called into question by the fact that Laura Owens recently filed her own Chapter 7 filing in this Court, which was ultimately dismissed."
Laura Owens Arrested for Alleged Fraud
Laura Owens is set to stand trial later this year.
Laura's recent legal woes are currently under dispute. Maricopa County, Arizona, indicted her "on felony charges related to a false claim of pregnancy involving a second victim," according to a countywide press release.
County attorney Rachel Mitchell alleged, "In 2021, the victim (Clayton Echard) began dating Laura Owens, but after the third date, he decided not to continue the relationship. Owens then claimed to be pregnant by him. MCAO investigators found evidence that Owens falsified documents to bolster this claim."
Clayton Echard's Story Turns Into Podcast
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Clayton Echard shared his story via a podcast from a Cumulus Media competitor.
iHeartRadio, a direct competitor of Cumulus Media, which owns the radio station Ronn worked for, released a podcast alongside Echard, detailing his allegations.
"On paper, he looked like the villain. In reality... he was the one being trapped. One fabricated pregnancy, forged documents, thousands of text messages, court documents, and a group of strangers who refused to let the truth stay buried. Glass Podcasts presents Love Trapped, the full truth behind the Bachelor scandal you thought you knew," advertised Echard and iHeartRadio.
Laura's trial assignment date is scheduled for October 28, 2026, with a settlement conference set for August 28, 2026.
Radar contacted Cumulus Media and Echard for comment.
