Patterico's Pontifications

12/23/2009

Balloon Boy Parents Get Time

Filed under: Crime — DRJ @ 2:51 pm



[Guest post by DRJ]

The balloon boy parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene of Fort Collins, Colorado, have received jail sentences, strict probation, and will have to make restitution for their hoax:

“Richard Heene was sentenced to 90 days in jail, including 60 days of work release that will let him pursue his job as a construction contractor while serving his time. His wife, Mayumi, was sentenced to 20 days in jail.”

Richard will begin his “begin a 30-day jail term on Jan. 11, delaying the start of the sentence for two weeks so he can spend the holidays with his family.” Thereafter, Mayumi can serve her 20 days as a flexible sentence — such as on 10 weekends — to accommodate her child-care responsibilities.

The Heenes will also be required to make restitution which will be at least $42,000, the amount of the bill from the federal, state and local authorities.

The Heenes are also forbidden from profiting from their hoax. I assume that means they can’t directly profit from the scam but I don’t see how the law can prevent them from capitalizing on their newfound notoriety. Unfortunately, it seems like there’s always someone willing to pay for that.

— DRJ

3 Responses to “Balloon Boy Parents Get Time”

  1. Was this the best deal?

    Go on Dr. Phil and then ask for credit for time served

    SteveG (909b57)

  2. I assume that means they can’t directly profit from the scam but I don’t see how the law can prevent them from capitalizing on their newfound notoriety.

    well, if the death penalty were an option, it would cure that loop hole……

    the not overly sympathethic redc1c4 (fb8750)

  3. Great, the parents can stay home for the most part and only be confined part-time. That leaves lots of of opportunity to focus on appropriate treatment for the child “responsible” for their public humiliation and economic disaster.

    Wouldn’t you love to be in that kid’s shoes?

    ropelight (8fa168)


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