Mayumi Heene, the mother of the "Balloon Boy," has admitted in an affidavit that the whole scene was a hoax, and will not potentially face felony charges.
Mayumi Heene, the mother of the now-infamous "Balloon Boy," has confessed that she lied to police about the large balloon that was released on October 15 near her home. According to an affidavit that has been obtained and reported upon by the Fort Collins Coloradoan, Heene noted that the release of the balloon, and statements that he 6 year old son was in the balloon, was "intentional as a hoax."
The affidavit also notes that Mayumi Heene and her husband were aware that Falcon, the couple’s son, was not on the balloon but instead inside their home, hiding from the press. The move was, according to Heene, a move on their part to make the family "more marketable for future media interest." Scott Robinson, a defense attorney in Denver who is not involved in the case, told reporters that Richard Heene, Mayumi’s husband, was at present not being charged with anything, but that his fate is at this point "up in the air." Said Robinson, "If Mayumi’s confession was lawfully obtained, it is conclusive evidence against her, but it cannot be used against him, nor can she testify against him without his consent."
Mayumi admitted that the hoax had been two weeks in the planning phase and that they told their three children to lie to authorities about the authenticity of the stunt. The Heenes face charges on contributing to the delinquency of a minor, attempting to influence a public servant and conspiracy. The charges could bring 6-12 years in prison and fines totaling $500,000. Said Robinson, "If fame and riches were what they were after, it looks like all they really got was notoriety."
The affidavit also notes that Mayumi Heene and her husband were aware that Falcon, the couple’s son, was not on the balloon but instead inside their home, hiding from the press. The move was, according to Heene, a move on their part to make the family "more marketable for future media interest." Scott Robinson, a defense attorney in Denver who is not involved in the case, told reporters that Richard Heene, Mayumi’s husband, was at present not being charged with anything, but that his fate is at this point "up in the air." Said Robinson, "If Mayumi’s confession was lawfully obtained, it is conclusive evidence against her, but it cannot be used against him, nor can she testify against him without his consent."
Mayumi admitted that the hoax had been two weeks in the planning phase and that they told their three children to lie to authorities about the authenticity of the stunt. The Heenes face charges on contributing to the delinquency of a minor, attempting to influence a public servant and conspiracy. The charges could bring 6-12 years in prison and fines totaling $500,000. Said Robinson, "If fame and riches were what they were after, it looks like all they really got was notoriety."
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