Balloon boy mother admits it was a hoax
Balloon boy Falcon Heene hugs his mother Mayum Heene while photographers are around. (AP Photo by David Zalubowski)
The mother of the balloon boy finally admits that whole situation was a hoax. The full Associated Press story is posted below via NewsOK.com.
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
The mother of the 6-year-old boy once feared missing inside a runaway helium balloon admitted the whole saga was a hoax, according to court documents released Friday.
Mayumi Heene told sheriff’s deputies that she and her husband, Richard, “knew all along that Falcon was hiding in the residence” in Fort Collins, according to an affidavit used to get a search warrant for the home.
She allegedly told investigators the incident was a hoax meant to make them more marketable to the media.
“Mayumi described that she and Richard Heene devised this hoax approximately two weeks earlier … . She and Richard had instructed their three children to lie to authorities as well as the media regarding this hoax,” the affidavit said.
Richard Heene has denied a hoax. His lawyer, David Lane, said Friday he is waiting to see the evidence in the case.
“Allegations are cheap,” Lane said.
Mayumi Heene’s lawyer, Lee Christian, was traveling and didn’t immediately respond to messages left with his office.
Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden has said he will recommend charges against the Heenes including conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, making a false report to authorities, and attempting to influence a public servant. The most serious charges are felonies.
Alderden said authorities would seek restitution for the balloon chase.
His office has said charges may come next week.
In frantic calls to a TV station, 911 and federal aviation officials, the Heenes said they feared Falcon was in the homemade, saucer-like balloon when it launched from their backyard last week.
