It’s been well over a decade since Richard and Mayumi Heene became household names in one of the strangest stories of the 2000s. The couple shot to fame, and infamy, in 2009. They claimed their six-year-old son had floated away in a homemade helium balloon.
As it turned out, young Falcon was hiding in the attic the whole time. What began as a live TV spectacle quickly spiralled into a criminal investigation. It ended with both parents pleading guilty to charges related to the hoax.
But in a surprising twist, the Heenes were granted full pardons in 2020, clearing their criminal records. The Netflix show, Trainwreck: Balloon Boy, didn’t actually explain why Richard and Mayumi Heene were pardoned, even after they pleaded guilty.
So, what were Richard and Mayumi Heene charged with?
via Netflix
Following the infamous “Balloon Boy” incident, Richard Heene pleaded guilty to a felony charge of attempting to influence a public servant. His wife, Mayumi Heene, admitted to a misdemeanour charge of making a false report.
Richard was sentenced to 90 days in jail. It was split between 30 consecutive days and 60 days of work-release (working during the day, jailed at night). He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and pay $42,000 in restitution. Mayumi served 20 days in weekend jail so she could care for their children during the week.
The couple were also barred from profiting off the hoax. That meant no book deals, film rights, or paid interviews relating to the incident.
But why were the Heenes pardoned?
via Netflix
In December 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis pardoned the Heenes after the Balloon Boy hoax case. He issued a full and unconditional pardon to both Richard and Mayumi. His decision was detailed in a public press conference and in personal letters addressed to each of them.
According to Polis, the pardons were not about declaring the Heenes innocent. But it was about giving them a fresh start after serving their time.
“We are all ready to move past the spectacle from a decade ago,” he said. “Richard and Mayumi have paid the price in the eyes of the public, served their sentences, and it’s time for all of us to move on.”
He acknowledged that the couple had faced legal, social, and reputational consequences for more than a decade. And he believed they had shown they wouldn’t repeat their past mistakes.
What did the governor’s letters to the Heenes say?
via Netflix
In his letter to Mayumi, Governor Polis noted her regret and emphasised her commitment to raising her children and becoming a naturalised U.S. citizen since the incident.
Polis wrote, “I believe you and trust that the legal and social consequences you have suffered in the intervening years will prevent you from ever repeating your past mistakes.” He added, “You have dedicated yourself to raising your children to be honest, respectful, and kind. I hope this pardon will create opportunities for you, including the positive legacy you would like to build for your three children.”
To Richard, Polis made a mention of his efforts to build a small business and pass on his construction trade to his sons. The pardon, he added, could help him apply for a contractor’s licence.
“You have been diligently passing on your trade to your sons… and you have sought to contribute to your community by researching and educating about extreme weather events,” Polis wrote in the letter.
Governor Polis also cleared their criminal record.
Trainwreck: Balloon Boy is available on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news and drops, like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. Featured image via Netflix.
