Millions watched in terror on October 15, as a balloon carrying a little boy flipped and floated for miles. Well, everyone but his parents, who knew the kid was in a box in the attic the whole time.
Now Balloon Dad has to pay. Richard Heene, the man who carried out the balloon boy hoax has been sentenced to 90 days in jail, including 60 days of work release that will let him pursue work as a construction contractor while doing his time. The judge also imposed conditions on Heene’s probation that forbid him from profiting from the balloon spectacle in any way for four years.
Heene choked back tears as he said he was sorry, especially to the rescue workers who chased down false reports that his 6-year-old son had floated away in a balloon. He said: “I do want to reiterate that I’m very, very sorry.”
Richard and Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to charges that they carried out the balloon stunt in October to promote a reality TV show. Mayumi Heene’s sentencing is under way.
With Associated Press
