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Balloon Parents Will Plead Guilty

Guilty pleas for Heenes will likely carry sentence of probation

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 12, 2009 8:21 AM CST
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(Newser) – Richard and Mayumi Heene will plead guilty tomorrow for lying to police and rescuers and sending them on a wild balloon chase for their “missing” son Falcon, who they knew was safe at home. Mayumi will cop to false reporting, a misdemeanor, while Richard will plead guilty to attempting to influence a public servant, a felony. Both are expected to get off with probation, MSNBC reports.

Six-year-old Falcon Heene is shown with his father, Richard, on the day of the hoax.
Six-year-old Falcon Heene is shown with his father, Richard, on the day of the hoax.   (AP Photo)
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.
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)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
grassisntgreener
Nov 13, 2009 6:29 AM CST
They should AT LEAST have to pay for the search.In addition ,CLOSE supervison by the dept of youth and families.
Reader83544269
Nov 13, 2009 6:08 AM CST
They need jail time.. they scared the crap out of millions of people and they will get probation???????
Silverbow7
Nov 13, 2009 3:45 AM CST
Attempting to influence a public servant is a felony? Isn't that interesting. I wonder what the criteria for it is... Seems to me that is exactly what happens daily in Washington.

 
probation • guilty plea • plea bargain • Colorado • Falcon Heene • Richard Heene • balloon boy hoax • Mayumi Heene

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