Balloon Boy's Parents Plead Guilty to Hoax AP

Richard and Mayumi Heene, the Colorado couple accused of pulling a spectacular hoax by reporting their son was aboard a runaway balloon, have both pleaded guilty to the charges, reports the Associated Press.

As expected, Richard Heene confessed that he knowingly and falsely influenced the Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden, a felony. Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty to filing a false report, a misdemeanor.

The Colorado authorities are seeking jail time for the couple, but that's up to Judge Stephen Schapanski. Sentencing is set for Dec. 23.

-- Allison J. Waldman