Federal probe opened into balloon flight

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- A Fort Collins, Colo., family whose son was thought to be aloft in an experimental balloon may have violated federal law, authorities said Tuesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, in which emergency officials scrambled Thursday to rescue 6-year-old Falcon Heene, who turned out to be hiding in his family's garage attic, CNN reported.

FAA spokeswoman Diane Spitaliere confirmed the investigation Tuesday, CNN reported.

Richard and Mayumi Heene may have violated FAA rules banning the flight of balloons within five miles of an airport, an FAA official told CNN. The official declined to be named publicly because the case is under investigation.

The Heenes face local charges of conspiracy, filing a false police report, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and attempting to influence a public servant, Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden said Sunday.

Investigators have alleged the Heenes staged the incident for publicity. The Heenes, who have appeared on the reality television show "Wife Swap," have said they are innocent of any wrongdoing.