FORT COLLINS, Colorado - The parents accused of pulling a spectacular hoax by reporting that their six-year-old son had floated away in a helium balloon have pleaded guilty in a deal that could send them both to jail but protect the boy's mother from deportation.
Richard Heene pleaded guilty to attempting to influence a public servant, which is a felony. His wife, Mayumi, a Japanese citizen who could be deported if convicted of more serious charges, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of false reporting, a misdemeanour.
The October 15th saga gripped a global audience, first with fear for the safety of 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 television show.
Mr Heene's lawyer, David Lane, said the threat of deportation "fuelled" negotiations with prosecutors. A lawyer for Mrs Heene said her immigration status was a factor in reaching the deal.
Prosecutors announced criminal charges against the couple on Thursday. A spokeswoman for the Larimer county district attorney's office would not discuss whether a plea agreement had been reached.
A deal could spare the Heenes maximum jail time, but Mr Heene could still get up to 90 days and Mrs Heene up to 60, Mr Lane said.
Without a deal, the charge against Mr Heene carries a possible sentence of two to six years in state prison. - (AP)