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(CNN) -- Three days after the world watched a giant balloon fly through the air and a tearful family express fears that their 6-year-old boy could be inside, authorities announced what millions already suspected: The whole thing was staged.
It was carried out by a couple who met "in acting school in Hollywood" and "put on a very good show for us," Sheriff Jim Alderden of Larimer County said Sunday. Authorities know there was "a conspiracy" between Richard and Mayumi Heene, he said.
The dramatic announcement included an admission by Alderden that authorities misled the media on Friday when they said they still believed it was not a hoax.
In fact, after a comment on CNN Thursday night by Falcon, the 6-year-old boy, "it became very clear to us at that point that they were lying," Alderden said. But in order to get to the truth, "it was very important that they maintain their trust with us." So investigators misled the media while they carried out their "game plan" of gathering the truth
Charges have not been filed, but authorities expect to recommend felony charges including conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and attempting to influence a public servant, Alderden said. They also plan to recommend a charge of filing a false police report, which is a misdemeanor.
He also said it is "unlikely" that someone convicted of these charges would face jail time. "We have to allocate our space to" those who commit more serious crimes or have a record of felonies, he said.
One key question remains unanswered, Alderden said: Where was Falcon as police searched for him? On Friday, Alderden said it had been determined that the boy was hiding in an attic in the garage and had fallen asleep. Now, authorities are unsure. Alderden said the boy may not even have been in the home
I wouldn't believe this sheriff if you paid me. He was embarrassed by the incident and upset and so has done everything he can to bring charges against these people. Until the family admits they did it on purpose I have no reason to believe this Sheriff.
I wouldn't believe this sheriff if you paid me. He was embarrassed by the incident and upset and so has done everything he can to bring charges against these people. Until the family admits they did it on purpose I have no reason to believe this Sheriff.
This is truly a tempest in a teapot.
Is that how much they made?This is truly a tempest in a teapot.
A two million dollar teapot.
I wouldn't believe this sheriff if you paid me. He was embarrassed by the incident and upset and so has done everything he can to bring charges against these people. Until the family admits they did it on purpose I have no reason to believe this Sheriff.
This is truly a tempest in a teapot.
I wouldn't believe this sheriff if you paid me. He was embarrassed by the incident and upset and so has done everything he can to bring charges against these people. Until the family admits they did it on purpose I have no reason to believe this Sheriff.
