Lawyer: Colorado parents to plead guilty in alleged balloon boy hoax
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Posted: 9:17 AM Nov 12, 2009
Lawyer: Colorado parents to plead guilty in alleged balloon boy hoax
The attorney for ``balloon boy'' dad Richard Heene says his client is going to ``fall on his sword'' for the sake of his wife and children.
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DENVER (AP) - The attorney for ``balloon boy'' dad Richard Heene says his client is going to ``fall on his sword'' for the sake of his wife and children.

David Lane says Heene will plead guilty to a felony charge while his wife Mayumi will plead guilty to a misdemeanor for the alleged hoax.

Last month, the Colorado couple reported that their 6-year-old son had floated away in a giant, homemade, helium balloon, triggering a frantic rescue effort. Authorities say it was all a publicity stunt for a proposed TV show.

The attorney says the couple agreed to the deal because Mayumi Heene is a citizen of Japan, and a felony conviction could lead to her deportation.

Lane says Richard Heene ``made no incriminating statements to law enforcement'' and would have a good chance of acquittal, but his client didn't want to risk his wife's deportation.

Court documents indicate that Mayumi Heene admitted the incident was a hoax during questioning by sheriff's deputies.

Lane says prosecutors have agreed to allow both to serve probation sentences. Prosecutors have not commented.
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