Sunday, October 18, 2009

Hoax: Heene Kids Knew

It's official. It was all a hoax. "Balloon Boy" knew it was a hoax.

All three of the Heene children were in on the "Balloon Boy" hoax.

From FOX News:

Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden announced at a press conference on Sunday that Colorado authorities have ruled the "balloon boy's" flight a hoax.

"It has been determined that this is a hoax. We believe we have evidence at this point to indicate that this was a publicity stunt," Alderden told reporters.

Authorities believe the alleged plot was hatched in an attempt by the Heene family "to better market themselves for a reality show at some point in the future," Alderden said. "They were lying."

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office will recommend charges of conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, false reporting to authorities, and attempting to influence a public servant against the Heenes.

"These people are actors. Not only have they appeared in several reality shows...the way they established their relationship was at an acting school in Hollywood. They put on a very good show," Alderden said. "Clearly we were manipulated by the family."

Acknowledging that the media grew wary of the Heenes' story before Sunday's announcement, Alderden insisted that his office built an investigation based on facts.

From AP:
Some of the most serious charges each carry a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

He says all three children knew of the Thursday hoax, but likely won't face charges because of their ages. The oldest son is 10.

I hope the Heenes are happy. They wanted their own reality show.

They got it. The run of their show can't be measured in seasons or number of episodes. It can be measured in hours.

It's over.

However, if Richard Heene is charged, found guilty, and ends up in prison, that might make for an interesting reality show.

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