Balloon boy parents both get jail time, probation that forbids him from profiting from stunt

Balloon boy parents get jail time, probation

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The couple who carried out the balloon boy hoax have both been sentenced to jail.

A judge on Wednesday 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. Mayumi Heene was sentenced to 20 days behind bars after her husband’s release.

Both were also sentenced to four years probation and have been barred from profiting from the balloon spectacle during that time.

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.

Prosecutors are still seeking to recover the costs of the search and investigation which they say could exceed $50,000.

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 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.