Balloon Boy Mom And Dad Flying Off To Jail
Dec. 23 2009, Published 3:15 p.m. ET
He wanted to be famous and now he is. Richard Heene, whose “flying saucer” balloon received national attention when it was thought his six-year-old son was inside, has been sentenced to 30 days in jail “straight time” and another 60 days on a work release program.
And Heene, who has spent years auditioning for reality TV programs and trying to achieve fame and riches, will not be allowed to financially gain from the stunt.
Read The Sentencing Press Release
Balloon Boy Dad Wears Bra And Make-Up, Bashes Britney Spears
Heene was on the verge of crying in Larimer County Court in Colorado as he apologized for his actions on Wednesday.
VIDEO: Balloon Boy Dad's Bizarre Short Movie
He’s also receiving four years probation.
Balloon Boy Dad Has Spent Time Behind Bars
Richard’s wife Mayumi received four years probation Wednesday and was sentenced to 20 days in jail. Their son, Falcon, was in their home while his parents told police and others he was missing, leading everyone to think the child was in the runaway balloon.
- 'Diddy' Heard for First Time Behind Bars During Emotional Birthday Call: Jailed Rapper Praises His Kids' 'Strength'
- Joe Exotic Dumps Fiancé: Caged Tiger King Star Proposed to 33-Year-Old Jailed Mexican Gangbanger Lover Behind Bars
- Tragic One Direction Singer Liam Payne Dead Aged 31 After Horror Hotel Balcony Plunge: Celeb Tributes Pour In as Images Emerge of Smashed Up Hotel Room Strewn With White Powder and 'Drugs Foil'
DAILY. BREAKING. CELEBRITY NEWS. ALL FREE.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Balloon Boy Dad on Prank Reality TV Show
Richard’s sentence will begin on January 11, 2010,– so that he can spend the holidays with his family.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Richard Heene Goes Inside Huge Dust Devil
Judge Stephen Schapanski told the court that he believed Heene was ‘contrite’ about the incident but that he believed the case was all about ‘deception and the exploitation of children and the media and making money’.
Balloon Boy Vomits While Parents Defend Family
Before a sentence was passed an emotional Richard Heene addressed the court saying that he was “very, very sorry” to all the rescue workers and local people who were involved in the rescue mission.
The oddball husband and wife have already been hit with a $42,000 bill from local, state and federal agencies for their October stunt when they claimed their six-year-old son had crawled into a hot air balloon in their back yard and been whisked away into the sky.