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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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19

Colo. Sheriff: Balloon Boy Case a 'Hoax'

No charges yet, but evidence points to stunt to boost reality show

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(Newser) – A Colorado sheriff announced this afternoon that the balloon boy case was a hoax and that he would be pursuing criminal charges. In a rambling news conference, Sheriff Jim Alderden said that the drama surrounding Falcon Heene was likely a publicity stunt designed to hype a reality show.

"Needless to say they put on a very good show for us," said Alderden of Falcon's parents, while reminding media that "These people are actors." No charges have yet been filed, but police executed a search warrant at the Heene home last night.

Richard Heene, left, leads his sons Ryo, center, and Falcon out of their home in Fort Collins,, Colo., early on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.
Richard Heene, left, leads his sons Ryo, center, and Falcon out of their home in Fort Collins,, Colo., early on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Six-year-old Falcon Heene listens to questions during a news conference outside the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo.
Six-year-old Falcon Heene listens to questions during a news conference outside the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
In this TV publicity image released by ABC, the Heene family, clockwise from back left, Richard, Mayumi, Ryan, Falcon, and Bradford are shown at their home in Fort Collins, Colo. on Nov. 15, 2008.
In this TV publicity image released by ABC, the Heene family, clockwise from back left, Richard, Mayumi, Ryan, Falcon, and Bradford are shown at their home in Fort Collins, Colo. on Nov. 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/ABC)
Six-year-old Falcon Heene is shown with his father, Richard, outside the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo.
Six-year-old Falcon Heene is shown with his father, Richard, outside the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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19 comments
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Reader64481089
Oct 18, 09 12:47 PM CDT
I hope they lock this clown up for 20 years, likely a slap on the wrists is what he will in truth get for teaching his children to get ahead you must lie and deceive, guess he wants them to prepare for congress....if true he is the lowest Reply
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+4
Cat-Lover
Oct 18, 09 12:55 PM CDT
What really peeves me is that Wolf Blitzer's "Situation Room," was side-tracked because of this hoax. I guess it wasn't covered on FOX because it had nothing to do with a presidential slip-up. Reply
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+10
IN RESPONSE:
Rob
Oct 18, 09 1:10 PM CDT
Or, hoax or not, it was trivial.
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
QueenAlli
Oct 18, 09 1:12 PM CDT
Every cable news network was just covering the news conference with the sheriff.
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
IndependentThinker
Oct 19, 09 10:25 AM CDT
It was on fox when it was happening.
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