Balloon boy

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Two adults pleaded guilty to charges related to the hoax in which they said their son had floated away in a balloon in Colorado.

Richard and Mayumi Heene appeared before Larimer County, Colo., authorities Friday and enter the pleas. Richard Heene pleaded guilty to felony attempt to influence a public servant and Mayumi Heene's plea involved a misdemeanor charge of false reporting to authorities.

The couple's attorney told The Coloradoan newspaper in Fort Collins, Colo., a plea agreement would mean Richard Heene would likely serve 90 days in jail and his wife 60 days in addition to periods of probation for both. Sentenced is expected next month.

On Oct. 15, the Heenes reported that a homemade balloon escaped tethers and floated away. They said they believed their 6-year-old son Falcon was aboard the balloon. The craft swept across eastern Colorado farmland, chased by authorities on the ground and in the air.

The balloon landed but the boy was not on board. He was later found at the family home. Subsequent interviews with the family uncovered that they concocted the hoax to improve their chances at getting a reality television show.