Balloon parents plead guilty to hoax charges

Fri Nov 13 2009 20:39:09

A couple who pretended their son had floated away in a homemade balloon have pleaded guilty to hoax charges.

Richard and Mayumi Heene's six-year-old boy Falcon hit the headlines when it was believed he had climbed into the UFO-shaped helium balloon and drifted away.

But the incident was an elaborate publicity stunt the couple hoped would secure them fame on a reality TV show.

Richard Heene pleaded guilty to attempting to influence a public servant, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of up to six years in prison, while Mayumi Heene admitted a less serious charge of making a false report to authorities.

The Heenes drew worldwide attention on October 15 when they reported that Falcon had sailed away in a silver airship.

The inflatable drifted over Colorado for 50 miles, chased by National Guard helicopters, as authorities mounted a search operation that riveted TV viewers.

The balloon later landed empty and it turned out the boy had been hiding safely in the family attic.

Public sympathy turned to outrage when Falcon gave away the hoax in a live interview. An investigation was launched and the mother admitted the incident was a publicity stunt.

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