Balloon Boy Parents Plead Guilty, Could Face Prison Time

It's Official: Heene Family Pleads Guilty To Influencing Official

AP:

FORT COLLINS, Colo. β€” The Colorado parents accused of pulling a spectacular hoax by reporting their son was aboard a runaway balloon have pleaded guilty to charges that could bring some jail time and probation.

Richard Heene pleaded guilty Friday to a felony charge of attempting to influence a public servant. Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of false reporting.

Richard Heene's attorney, David Lane, says the pleas are part of an agreement to avoid possible deportation of Mayumi Heene to her native Japan should she be convicted in court of greater charges.

Sentencing will be later.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) – The Colorado father accused of pulling a spectacular hoax by reporting his son was aboard a runaway balloon has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of attempting to influence a public servant.

Richard and Mayumi Heene appeared in court Friday. Richard Heene entered a guilty plea, and Mayumi Heene was expected to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of false reporting.

Richard Heene's attorney, David Lane, says the pleas are part of an agreement to avoid possible deportation of Mayumi Heene to her native Japan should she be convicted in court of greater charges.

Sentencing will be later.

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