Judge Rules in the Best Interests of the Balloon Boy

The balloon boy’s supposed life-threatening journey in a runaway balloon had the attention of entire nation last October. But it will be years before his parents, the perpetrators of the hoax, can reap any monetary benefit financially from the stunt.  Richard Heene, an out of work actor hoping to secure a reality television show, was sentenced yesterday to a 90 day jail term, and his wife is to serve 20 days.  Both terms included four years’ probation during which they cannot earn any money related to the stunt. Mr. Heene apologized in court Wednesday to  rescue workers and the community for the frenzy that he caused when he claimed that his son had floated away in a balloon.  District Judge Stephen Schapanski said, “What this case is about is deception, exploitation — exploitation of the children of the Heenes, exploitation of the media and exploitation of people’s emotions — and money." The judge gave Richard Heene until Jan. 11 to report to jail so that he could spend the holidays with his family. His wife will serve her 20 days behind bars after her husband completes his sentence. Her time served will be flexible so that the couple’s three children are cared for, the judge said.

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