Colorado mom in balloon boy saga to begin community service sentence for her role in hoax

Mom in balloon boy hoax to begin community service

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The Colorado mother who, along with her husband, told authorities that her son had flown away in a runaway balloon will begin her community service sentence this weekend for her role in the hoax.

Mayumi Heene will spend 10 weekends working at nonprofits.

Her husband, Richard Heene, completed his 90-day sentence Sunday. It included jail time, work release and home detention.

Sheriff’s officials say the couple’s Oct. 15 report that their son had floated away in a UFO-shaped helium balloon was a stunt.

Richard Heene pleaded guilty to falsely influencing authorities, and his wife pleaded guilty to filing a false report. They were allowed to serve their sentences separately so one could care for their three sons.