The Boy in the Balloon: Heene Parents May Face Criminal Charges

Last Thursday on October 15^th, the entire world was glued to their television screens as they watched a helpless 6 year old boy zoom across the blue Colorado skies in helium filled, flying saucer shaped hot air balloon resembling a UFO aircraft. Three days later everyone who had been horrified and worried about this 6-year-old boy was told that this story was a hoax brought on by the boy's dad, Richard Heene and his wife, Mayumi who are a thrill seeking reality star wannabes.

During the live televised event as everyone around the world stayed glued to their television sets anxiously awaiting word about the little boy on board, it turns out that 6 year old Falcon was safe and sound and was found hiding out in the family's garage out of sight. The hot air balloon sailed across the skies of Colorado for two hours and trekked along for sixty miles.

Reality TV fans may recall seeing Richard and his wife Mayumi on the ABC show Wife Swap. Their episode was aired on the show's premiere in October 2008; they switched with the Martels, a family from Connecticut. The Heene family episode was so popular that viewers voted them back on for another show.

Reality television goes far and beyond normal standards, and the Heenes stood out back then on the show and they want and live the excitement of the thrill and having such a type of lifestyle does sometimes put their own children in danger.

This whole hot air balloon saga was a hoax and the sad thing about it is seeing how far a parent will go for fame and fortune and at times placing their children in danger. The boy's Mother, Mayumi told tv news reporters recently just this past Friday on October 23rd that the entire balloon fiasco was all a hoax.

During an interview with the Heene's last Saturday, according to Larimer County Colorado Sheriff Jim Alderson, said that Richard & Mayumi Heene may be charged with a misdemeanor crime. Prosecutors are still discussing whether or not charges will be filed or if they need to be filed against the couple.

Sources:

Time.com

NBC 5 News