'Balloon boy' incident was 'hoax,' sheriff says (
from CNN)
(CNN) -- Three days after the world watched a giant balloon fly through the air and a tearful family express fears that their 6-year-old boy could be inside, authorities announced what millions already suspected: The whole thing was staged.
It was carried out by a couple who met "in acting school in Hollywood" and "put on a very good show for us," said Sheriff Jim Alderden of Larimer County. Authorities know there was "a conspiracy" between Richard and Mayumi Heene, he said.
"It has been determined that this is a hoax," he said. "We believe we have evidence at this point that it was a publicity stunt."
The dramatic announcement included an admission by Alderden that authorities misled the media on Friday when they said they still believed it was not a hoax.
In fact, after a comment on CNN Thursday night by Falcon, the 6-year-old boy, "it became very clear to us at that point that they were lying," Alderden said. But in order to get to the truth, "it was very important that they maintain their trust with us." So investigators misled the media while they carried out their "game plan" of gathering the truth. Video Watch Alderden tell how police recognized "hoax" »
The comment that triggered concern: "You guys said we did this for the show." That's what Falcon told his parents when they asked him, on live television, why he had not come out from hiding when they were calling for him.
Richard Heene told CNN earlier that his son was confused when he made the "show" remark. There were media assembled on the front lawn asking all sorts of questions, and that's what Falcon was referring to, Heene said. Video Watch body language expert analyze Heene interview »
The incident Thursday prompted a widespread search, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Colorado National Guard. It ended when Falcon climbed down from the attic above the garage at the family's home.
Earlier Sunday, sheriff's deputies were seen entering and leaving the Heene home.
Speculation over whether Thursday's incident was a hoax has mounted against Heene, father of three young boys. Explainer: How 'balloon boy' drama began »
Heene and his wife, Mayumi, have insisted their fears over Falcon going were genuine, and not a publicity stunt. In the past, the family has appeared on ABC's "Wife Swap" and posted videos of storm-chasing and other activities online.
The only charge local authorities could press over the incident would be making a false report to authorities -- a Class 3 misdemeanor, Alderden told reporters Saturday. Video Watch sheriff discuss possible charges »
However, a misdemeanor "hardly seems serious enough given the circumstances," the sheriff said.
He added that investigators and prosecutors may push the case beyond the local level to see "if perhaps there aren't additional federal charges that would be more appropriate."
