Balloon boy father gets jail time, strict probation that forbids him from profiting from stunt

Balloon boy dad gets jail time, strict probation

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — 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.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The man who carried out the balloon boy hoax says he’s sorry, especially to the rescue workers who chased down false reports that his 6-year-old son had floated away.

Richard Heene choked back tears as he stood before a judge and apologized: “I do want to reiterate that I’m very, very sorry.”

Earlier, a prosecutor urged a judge to give Heene the maximum punishment of 90 days behind bars. His lawyer asked for probation.

Prosecutors say a message needs to be sent to other self-promoters that they will be punished for orchestrating hoaxes.

Richard and Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to charges that they carried out the balloon stunt in October to promote a reality TV show.