Nov 11, 2009

The Heene balloon boy story resurfaces

There will be no charges against the Larimer County sheriff for his 'balloon boy' disclosure.

The Boulder District Attorney has declined to file charges against Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden (shown on right) regarding his disclosure that county social service workers were investigating the family of 'balloon boy' Falcon Heene.


The Heenes (shown above) are under investigation for reporting that their 6-year-old son had drifted away on a homemade balloon that broke loose from its tethers Oct. 16 in Fort Collins. The flight of the balloon captivated people around the world concerned for the boy's welfare.

The boy was found safe at home hiding in an attic above the family garage.


Sheriff Alderden has accused the Heenes of lying and staging a publicity stunt. The Larimer County district attorney is considering whether to file charges.

Alderden said he wasn't surprised by the Boulder District Attorney’s decision, and said that the Heene’s complaint was typical of their attorney's tactics of "attack, distract and discredit."

The Heene family attorney David Lane said it's just a matter of time before the Heenes are charged.

More of the story here.