Suffacated
10-18-2009, 10:00 AM
Balloon Saga Was a Hoax, Sheriff Says
Colorado sheriff: Runaway balloon saga was hoax
By DAN ELLIOTT,AP
posted: 5 MINUTES AGO
FORT COLLINS, Colo. -A Colorado sheriff says it was hoax when parents reported that their 6-year-old son was in a flying saucer-like helium balloon hurtling away from their home.
Sheriff Jim Alderden says Richard and Mayumi Heene "put on a very good show for us, and we bought it."
The sheriff says no charges have been filed yet, and the parents aren't under arrest. He says he expects to recommend charges of conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, making a false report to authorities and attempting to influence a public servant.
Some of the most serious charges each carry a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
He says all three children knew of the Thursday hoax, but likely won't face charges because of their ages. The oldest son is 10.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — A sheriff says a Colorado couple's report that their 6-year-old son was in a balloon that was hurtling away from their home was a publicity stunt.
Sheriff Jim Alderden says Richard and Mayumi Heene "put on a very good show for us, and we bought it."
The sheriff says no charges have been filed yet, and the parents aren't under arrest. But he says he expects to recommend charges of conspiracy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Alderden says interviews with the parents Saturday resulted in enough information to get a warrant to search the house. He says they were looking for computers, e-mails, phone records and financial records.
Colorado sheriff: Runaway balloon saga was hoax
By DAN ELLIOTT,AP
posted: 5 MINUTES AGO
FORT COLLINS, Colo. -A Colorado sheriff says it was hoax when parents reported that their 6-year-old son was in a flying saucer-like helium balloon hurtling away from their home.
Sheriff Jim Alderden says Richard and Mayumi Heene "put on a very good show for us, and we bought it."
The sheriff says no charges have been filed yet, and the parents aren't under arrest. He says he expects to recommend charges of conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, making a false report to authorities and attempting to influence a public servant.
Some of the most serious charges each carry a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
He says all three children knew of the Thursday hoax, but likely won't face charges because of their ages. The oldest son is 10.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — A sheriff says a Colorado couple's report that their 6-year-old son was in a balloon that was hurtling away from their home was a publicity stunt.
Sheriff Jim Alderden says Richard and Mayumi Heene "put on a very good show for us, and we bought it."
The sheriff says no charges have been filed yet, and the parents aren't under arrest. But he says he expects to recommend charges of conspiracy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Alderden says interviews with the parents Saturday resulted in enough information to get a warrant to search the house. He says they were looking for computers, e-mails, phone records and financial records.