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?Balloon Boy? Case an Elaborate Hoax?

By mbrickley

Richard Heene, the father of the boy who was allegedly trapped inside the helium balloon that was in flight for two hours before crash-landing 40 miles from home, is now under investigation for fabricating the entire event, according to a Wall Street Journal article. The balloon stunt was allegedly planned to help the family land a reality television show - the family has already appeared on the TV series Wife Swap. Colorado officials are planning to press criminal charges against the boy’s parents. Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden confirmed that after investigation, the balloon situation is believed to be a hoax - though the family has denied it. Among the potential charges the Heenes have coming their way are two felony charges - attempt to influence a public servant and contributing to the delinquency of a minor...continue to full post

Full post as published by The Criminal Defense Blog on October 19, 2009 (boomark / email).