Balloon boy father apologizes, prosecutor asks judge for maximum jail sentence

Balloon boy father apologizes, chokes back tears

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The man who carried out the balloon boy hoax says he’s sorry, especially to the rescue workers who chased down false reports that his 6-year-old son had floated away.

Richard Heene choked back tears as he stood before a judge and apologized: “I do want to reiterate that I’m very, very sorry.”

Earlier, a prosecutor urged a judge to give Heene the maximum punishment of 90 days behind bars. His lawyer asked for probation.

Prosecutors say a message needs to be sent to other self-promoters that they will be punished for orchestrating hoaxes.

Richard and Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to charges that they carried out the balloon stunt in October to promote a reality TV show.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — A prosecutor has urged a judge to give the man who carried out the balloon boy hoax the maximum punishment of 90 days behind bars.

The prosecutor says Richard Heene “wasted a lot of manpower and a lot of money in wanting to get himself some publicity.” He says a message needs to be sent to other self-promoters that they will be punished for orchestrating hoaxes.

Richard and Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to charges that they carried out the balloon stunt in October to promote a reality TV show. They reported that their 6-year-old son was floating away in a helium balloon.

Richard Heene’s lawyer believes he should be spared jail time. Heene’s wife faces up to 60 days.