Mom Will Serve Time Too, And The Pair May Not Capitalize On Their Stunt

We don't know how this ever must have seemed like a good idea. A prank to draw media attention that wound up costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars as various entities were scrambled to save what they thought was a six-year-old in a box slung under a homemade mylar balloon drifting above Colorado. The latest chapter of the "Balloon Boy" story has come to a close.

ABC News reports that 48-year-old Richard Heene has been sentenced to 30 days in jail, another 60 days on work-release where he'll return to jail each night, and four years probation. Heene triggered a frantic chase by rescuers October 15th when he said a runaway helium balloon might be carrying his youngest son.

His son later turned up hiding in a box in the attic over the family's garage, and Heene later admitted the whole thing was a hoax to promote a reality TV show.

Heene asked the court for leniency for his wife, Mayumi. She's been sentenced to 20 days community service. As a condition of their probation, the couple is prohibited from financial gain in connection with the so-called "Balloon Boy" hoax. The also face fines that could reach as high as $500,000. The Heenes will be allowed to spend the holidays together before beginning to serve their sentences.

FMI: www.larimer.org/courts/