Balloon Boy Parents Plead Guilty

First Published: November 13, 2009 12:27 PM EST Credit: AP

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Richard and Mayumi Heene appear in district court in Fort Collins, Colo., on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, after pleading guilty to charges stemming from the “Balloon Boy” hoaxCaption Richard and Mayumi Heene appear in district court in Fort Collins, Colo., on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, after pleading guilty to charges stemming from the “Balloon Boy” hoaxThe Colorado parents accused of pulling a spectacular hoax by reporting their son was aboard a runaway balloon have pleaded guilty to charges that could bring some jail time and probation.

Richard Heene pleaded guilty Friday to a felony charge of attempting to influence a public servant. Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of false reporting.

Richard Heene’s attorney, David Lane, says the pleas are part of an agreement to avoid possible deportation of Mayumi Heene to her native Japan should she be convicted in court of greater charges.

Sentencing will be later.

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