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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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24

Balloon Family Feels 'Under Siege': Lawyer

Lawyer says stunt has turned into a "nightmare for the family."

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(Newser) – Richard and Mayumi Heene are likely regretting the hoax they staged using their 6-year-old son and a balloon: With criminal charges looming and public opinion turning against them, the family feels “under siege,” their lawyer said today. The FAA has opened an investigation into the incident; it has jurisdiction because the hoax caused delays in flights out of Denver International. Local police will probably bring charges next week, USA Today reports.

Richard Heene, center, returns to the family's home in Fort Collins,, Colo., late on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.
Richard Heene, center, returns to the family's home in Fort Collins,, Colo., late on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Mayumi Heene, front, and her son, Ryo, 9, return to the family's home in Fort Collins\
Mayumi Heene, front, and her son, Ryo, 9, return to the family's home in Fort Collins\   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Richard Heene, left, leads his sons Ryo, back right, and Falcon out of their home in Fort Collins,, Colo., early on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.
Richard Heene, left, leads his sons Ryo, back right, and Falcon out of their home in Fort Collins,, Colo., early on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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24 comments
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rajanKazhmin
Oct 19, 09 5:01 PM CDT
They can suck it. Reply
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+11
IN RESPONSE:
youngblood
Oct 19, 09 5:20 PM CDT
The Parents are douche bags!!
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+6
blusky09
Oct 19, 09 5:02 PM CDT
Fuck yea they should feel the pressure. They wasted valuable time and money not to mention screwed up their kids morals (or what's left of it) so Mommy and Daddy can be on TV. Reply
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+10
IN RESPONSE:
ljm
Oct 19, 09 9:40 PM CDT
While I agree that the parents have behaved in an unexcusable manner and should be fined, imprisoned and relinquish custody of the children, I think this story has run it life. The guy wanted publicity so by giving him this much attention he is getting exactly what he was after. And the publicity is exploiting the kids all over again. Let it rest already and relegate this, and john and kate, to the cirular file!
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0
cochiserocks
Oct 19, 09 5:06 PM CDT
Oh - I see - I was so confused! - They are the victims in this whole thing! I must have got it all wrong. I feel like such a douche - NOT! Reply
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+6

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