Crime / Falcon Heene Colo. Sheriff: Balloon Boy Case a 'Hoax' No charges yet, but evidence points to stunt to boost reality show By Polly Davis Doig, Newser Staff Posted Oct 18, 2009 12:41 PM CDT Copied Richard Heene, left, leads his sons Ryo, center, and Falcon out of their home in Fort Collins,, Colo., early on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) A Colorado sheriff announced this afternoon that the balloon boy case was a hoax and that he would be pursuing criminal charges. In a rambling news conference, Sheriff Jim Alderden said that the drama surrounding Falcon Heene was likely a publicity stunt designed to hype a reality show. "Needless to say they put on a very good show for us," said Alderden of Falcon's parents, while reminding media that "These people are actors." No charges have yet been filed, but police executed a search warrant at the Heene home last night. (More Falcon Heene stories.) Report an error