FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The parents accused of pulling a spectacular hoax by reporting that their 6-year-old son had floated away in a helium balloon pleaded guilty to charges in a Fort Collins, Colorado Friday morning.
Richard Heene entered a plea of guilty to a charge of attempting to influence a public servant, a felony. He stood along side his attorney, David Lane before the judge. He was released on a personal recognizance bond. Lane asked the judge to allow Richard Heene permission to go to New York to pursue a job opportunity. That request was granted.
Heene's wife, Mayumi, a Japanese citizen who could be deported if convicted of more serious charges, then stood up before the judge and pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanor false reporting to authorities.
Lane said the threat of deportation "fueled" negotiations with prosecutors. Mayumi Heene's attorney said her immigration status was a factor in reaching the deal.
Prosecutors announced criminal charges against the couple Thursday but did not confirm that a plea deal had been struck.
Richard and Mayumi Heene left their house in Fort Collins at about 7:30 a.m. and took their boys to school. Then they headed to the Larimer County Courthouse.
The Oct. 15 saga gripped a global audience, first with fear for the safety of 6-year-old Falcon Heene and then with anger at his parents when authorities accused them of perpetrating the hoax to drum up attention for a possible reality show.
The Fort Collins Coloradoan reported the cost of the four-hour long search to be about $62,000. It's unclear if the Heenes will be billed for that.
Sentencing for the Heene's was set for December 22.