Balloon Boy's Dad Gets 90 Days In Jail

Richard and Mayumi Heene reported that their 6-year-old son was floating away in a helium balloon. The couple plead guilty to charges that they carried out the hoax in October to promote a reality TV show.

By: Jamie Burch | WKRG
Published: December 23, 2009

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FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) - The man who carried out the balloon
boy hoax has been sentenced to jail for the stunt.
A judge sentenced Richard Heene to 90 days in jail, including 60
days of work release that will let him pursue work as a
construction contractor while doing his time. The judge also
imposed conditions on Heene's probation that forbid him from
profiting from the balloon spectacle in any way for four years.
Heene choked back tears as he said he was sorry, especially to
the rescue workers who chased down false reports that his
6-year-old son had floated away in a balloon. He said: "I do want
to reiterate that I'm very, very sorry."
Richard and Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to charges that they
carried out the balloon stunt in October to promote a reality TV
show. Mayumi Heene's sentencing is under way.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)