Balloon-Boy Parents Get Balloon Back
For more than two hours the nation stood affixed to TV sets as news unfolded of a little boy “stranded” in a runaway balloon. The “space ship” looking object was seen floating across the country as rescue crews were trying to devise ways of getting it down without hurting the child.
As the event was unfolding some were beginning to look at the incident as a hoax. Others were hoping that the child was hiding away in some secret place – afraid to face his parents for letting their balloon loose. Some reports said that a small object was seen falling from the UFO looking craft.
Turns out – those believing it to be a hoax were correct. Authorities say the Heenes family staged the hoax to try to get attention for a reality television show.
Mr. Heene completed a 90-day jail sentence for his guilty plea. His wife was sentenced to 10 weekends working at nonprofits for filing a false report.
The Heenes have agreed to pay $36,000 in restitution to the agencies that responded to the hoax.
The balloon has since been returned to the family. No word yet as to whether or not they have a definite reality show appearance.