Balloon boy parents plead guilty
Couple hope to get probation in hoax; sentencing next month
AP - Associated Press
updated 1:06 p.m. CT, Fri., Nov . 13, 2009

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The Colorado parents accused of pulling a spectacular hoax by reporting their son was aboard a runaway balloon have pleaded guilty to charges that could bring some jail time and probation.

Richard Heene pleaded guilty to knowingly and falsely influencing Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden, a felony. Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to knowingly filing a false report with emergency services, a misdemeanor.

Richard Heene told judge Stephen Schapanski he understood that he could have to pay restitution for the costs incurred by public agencies because of his actions. Local and federal authorities spent at least $62,000 pursuing the balloon and searching for 6-year-old Falcon after it landed.

Schapanski told Mayumi Heene that her plea doesn't automatically prevent any action by federal authorities regarding her immigration status; she is a Japanese citizen. Her attorney, Lee Christian, acknowledged that was the case but said avoiding a trial could reduce the consequences.

Chief deputy district attorney Andrew Lewis told the judge that prosecutors always intended to charge Mayumi Heene with a misdemeanor based on her cooperation with authorities and what he called her lower level of culpability in the incident. He insisted prosecutors never used the threat of deportation in her case - contrary to what Richard Heene's attorney David Lane has said.

Christian said the possibility of going to trial and risking a felony conviction was one of "many reasons" Mayumi Heene wanted to plead guilty.

Dec. 23 sentencing hearing
Prosecutors would like the Heenes to serve some time in jail, but the final decision will be made by Schapanski at a Dec. 23 sentencing hearing.

In the meantime, Lane said Richard Heene intends to seek employment with trips to New York and California and Mayumi Heene plans to accompany him. The judge adjusted their bond to allow them to do so, as long as they report to probation services within seven days.

Lane told the judge that Richard Heene has an "employment opportunity" in New York. Lane declined to elaborate as he left the courtroom, and Heene waved off questions.

Business associates of Richard Heene said before the balloon incident Richard Heene was trying to pitch a TV series based on science. The Heenes are amateur storm chasers and had twice appeared on the ABC reality show "Wife Swap."

Mayumi Heene allegedly told investigators the balloon launch was a hoax aimed at promoting a possible reality television show. Neither she nor her husband discussed their intent during the court hearing and neither apologized.

After the hearing, when asked whether he had anything to say to the people who helped look for his son, Richard Heene didn't respond.

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Colorado parents plead guilty in balloon boy saga
By P. SOLOMON BANDA, Associated Press Writer - Fri Nov 13, 5:28 pm ET

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - A Colorado couple who reported their son was aboard a runaway balloon could land in jail after pleading guilty Friday to charges they made up the story to generate publicity for a possible reality TV show.

Richard Heene appeared before a Larimer County District Court judge first, pleading guilty to a felony count of falsely influencing the sheriff who led the rescue effort during the 50-mile balloon chase that captivated a global television audience Oct. 15.

Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of knowingly filing a false report with emergency services. Prosecutors said she had a lower level of culpability and cooperated with authorities, telling investigators the balloon launch was a publicity stunt two weeks in the making.

Even as the Heenes entered their guilty pleas, their attorneys' comments in court set off speculation of talk show appearances or other deals.

Judge Stephen Schapanski agreed to the attorneys' request that the couple be allowed to travel to New York and California to explore "employment opportunities." David Lane, Richard Heene's lawyer, declined to elaborate as he left the courtroom, and Heene waved off questions.

Under terms of the plea agreements, Richard Heene faces up to 90 days in jail, probation and a fine. Mayumi Heene could get 60 days, likely to be served in a work-release program, and probation.

Richard Heene also could have to pay restitution for tens of thousands of dollars in costs incurred by police.

Without the deal, the charge against Richard Heene carries a possible sentence of two to six years in state prison and a fine of up to $500,000. The charge against his wife is punishable by up to six months in the county jail and a fine up to $750.

The deal does not call for removing 6-year-old Falcon or the couple's other two children - ages 8 and 10 - from the parents' custody, according to Lane.

Lane portrayed his client's decision to enter a plea as a sacrifice to preserve the family and avoid the possibility that Mayumi Heene, a Japanese citizen, could be deported by being convicted of more serious charges.

Richard Heene was asked after the hearing if he had anything to say to those who looked for his son. He didn't respond.

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"Under terms of the plea agreements, Richard Heene faces up to 90 days in jail, probation and a fine. Mayumi Heene could get 60 days, likely to be served in a work-release program, and probation."

That's it?  WTF?

"The deal does not call for removing 6-year-old Falcon or the couple's other two children - ages 8 and 10 - from the parents' custody, according to Lane."