Balloon Boy's Mom Confesses to Hoax

Well, well, so I was right.  In a signed affidavit, Mayumi Heene, the mother of "Balloon Boy," admitted the whole nonsense was a hoax in order to get the family more media attention for a reality show.  Dad still isn't talking.

She said she and her husband knew all along Falcon was not in the balloon, and even worse, had told their children to lie to investigators.  The motive for the hoax was to make their family "more marketable for future media interest."  Mayumi told officers they had planned the hoax for two weeks, even building the balloon specifically for the launch, according to the affidavit  The affidavit was sworn out by sheriff's investigator Robert Heffernan.

As a parent, I'm outraged that parents would exploit their children in this manner and then tell them lie.  But somehow, I'm not surprised.

Richard Heene still has not confessed, and since the couple is married her confession can not be used against him without his consent. 

The DA is expected to file formal charges this week.  Those charges are said to include contributing to the delinquency of a minor, attempting to influence a public servant and conspiracy.  The charges, if they are filed, could bring 6-12 years in prison and fines up to $500,000. If convicted, they also could owe an unknown amount of restitution for the rescue operation.  It is unclear if the family has any money to recover, since they have also reported to be filing for bankruptcy.  Although bankruptcy will not wipe out a restitution claim.

source 

Comments

[mj]

It's weird to me in stuff that I've read that they have separate legal counsel about the whole thing. Is she trying to avoid punishment by passing the blame?

[indycitygirl]

I didnt believe it for a moment,something was knocking in my head telling me to not buy the hype.Dad is a asshat,mom seems to be a doormat,this just stinks

[iambellaluna]

I think after a while everybody knew. Thank god one of the crazies is fessing up. That might make her more marketable.

Ps. Richard Heene seems like a tool box of deuche.