Colorado Sheriff Says "Balloon" Boy Saga Was Indeed A Hoax

Photograph of Mayumi, Richard and Falcon Heene leaving their home this morning by David Zalubowski/AP

Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden told reporters that the "Balloon" Boy incident of October 15, 2009 that riveted the world was a just a big ploy for attention (mission accomplished!), "It has been determined that this is a hoax, that it was a publicity stunt and we believe we have evidence at this point to indicate that this was a publicity stunt in hopes to better market themselves for a reality show." He also said Richard and Mayumi Heene "put on a very good show for us, and we bought it."

As for charges, TMZ reports authorities "plan on filing charges against Richard and Mayumi Heene soon -- one of which would be contributing to the delinquency of a minor, which is a felony. The other charges could be conspiracy, false reporting and attempt to influence an officer." Alderden said that the infamous CNN interview where 6-year-old Falcon Heene, who was found in a garage attic after reports that he was in the runaway balloon, said, "Um. You guys said that, hmm, we did this for a show," made them question the family's intentions. The sheriff said, "This has been a planned event for at least two weeks."

Sheriff Alderden had loads of folksy charm, if that's what you call telling reporters to act like "nice children" so their questions could be answered and admitting he left his hearing aid at home. And he also said of Richard Heene, "His education level is only high school ... he may be nutty, but he's not a professor."

Other things of note: There are concerns about possible domestic violence; it's unclear whether Falcon Heene really was in the garage attic the entire time; authorities are looking for others who might have helped plan the hoax (it was implied some media outlets might have known as well); and it's unclear whether the Heenes would be able to repay the cost of the chase.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on October 18, 2009 2:11 PM

Comments [rss]

robingee

People bleating that there are "real issues" to talk about when something fluffy is covered are worse than something fluffy being covered!

I am angry that this family is coming across as weird and fame-whoring. They are giving "different" people a bad name. Can't they just be wacky and fun and science-y without being all freaking stupid about it?

unsunghiro

didn't you see the wife swap episode they did with the psychic? that was proof as any that the heene's (kids included) are a bunch of intolerant obnoxious assholes - has nothing to do with being 'weird'. they should get the book thrown at them.

kane

Yeah, can't they just waste Colorado state resources during an incredibly difficult economic time without everyone jumping on their backs?

Geez, it can't cost THAT much to get a few helicopters in the air to chase a Mylar balloon.

robingee

That's not what I mean. I mean every time you see a "different" family on the news, I always hope they are nice and normal and not insane. And I stuck up for these people in the beginning because I thought they were just cool and science-loving. But now it turns out they they are a-holes and that is depressing.

NannyState

Can we go back to denying the existence of Colorado now?

Mr Mel

If anyone followed the story closely, they had to know it was a phony. The kid had to feel like he was in a game of hide and seek. Richard and Mayumi never dreamed the story would leave Colorado.

thefacts

Colorado sheriffs?

The same folks who brought us the Jon Bennet Ramsey fiasco.

synik

Can you stop posting this crap!? No one gives a rats ass!

John Del Signore

Waaaahhhh! This website I read for free should DO MY BIDDING!

pudeljung

I love this crap. I hated it when it was a Balloon Boy story, but now that it's a Crazy Abusive Parents Hoax story, I can't get enough.

I hope they throw the book at 'em!