Balloon Boy Family Gets Busted

Photo: Richard Heene's mug shot.

The Heene family pulled on the heartstrings of American last month when it was reported that their young son had climbed into a homemade hotair balloon that became untethered and floated over the skies of Colorado. After hours of news coverage and worrying, it turned out the whole thing was a ruse. The boy was found in the attic of the family's home, and later let it slip on TV that the whole thing was a stunt. Naturally, the law enforcement officials, rescue teams, and TV viewing audience who were caught up in the whole stunt wanted the Heene family to pay for their mistake.

Father Richard Heene turned himself in Thursday and was released on $5,000 bond. His lawyer claims that he will plead guilty to felony charges. His wife, Mayumi Hene will plead guilty to false reporting to authorities, which is a misdemeanor.

Charges were officially filed against the Heenes on Thursday, which is why Richard turned himself in.