ABA Home
 
Aviation & Space Law

Parents Take Plea in ‘Balloon Boy’ Hoax

Posted Nov 12, 2009, 01:13 pm CST
By Martha Neil

The parents of a 6-year-old boy who was reported to be aloft in an experimental balloon last month but actually was hiding at home in an alleged hoax intended to promote a reality television program, have agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges concerning the Oct. 15 incident.

Richard Heene will plead guilty to a felony, attempting to influence a public servant, according to defense attorney David Lane. He says Heene's wife, Mayumi Heene, who is a Japanese citizen, will plead guilty to a misdemeanor, false reporting to authorities. If convicted of a felony in the case, she could have been deported, reports the Associated Press.

Prosecutors are expected to ask for jail time, and the Colorado… Continue reading...



Return to top