ABC - REALITY COUPLE FACE CHARGES OVER BALLOON 'HOAX'

REALITY COUPLE FACE CHARGES OVER BALLOON 'HOAX'

Former U.S. reality TV couple RICHARD and MAYUMI HEENE are facing charges amid claims the runaway balloon drama was a "hoax" and a "publicity stunt".
News networks halted programming to follow a homemade balloon across Colorado on Thursday (15Oct09) after fears the pair's six-year-old son Jordan was on board.
The craft eventually landed in a field - but Jordan was later found hiding at his home.
Now the couple, who once appeared on ABC reality show Wife Swap, are to face charges after Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden claimed he has evidence the Heenes used the stunt to promote a TV show.
Alderden plans to file charges against the pair, which are thought to include the delinquency of a minor, as well as conspiracy, false reporting and attempt to influence an officer, according to TMZ.com.