Balloon Boy's Dad Free on Work-Release

(AP)  The man who pleaded guilty in the balloon boy hoax has been released from the Larimer County jail to serve the rest of his sentence through the alternative sentencing unit.

Sheriff's office spokeswoman Eloise Campanella says Richard Heene was transferred Sunday and is expected to work during the day, then spend nights at a work-release dormitory. She didn't have information Monday on where he'll work.

Heene started serving a 90-day sentence Jan. 11 after pleading guilty to falsely influencing the sheriff. His wife, Mayumi, pleaded guilty to filing a false report and must serve 20 days in jail.

Sheriff's officials say the couple's report Oct. 15 that their young son had floated away in a UFO-shaped helium balloon was a hoax.

[pragmatist1]

This guy should have been sentenced to a much longer term that he received. Same with his wife. These two are incapable of understanding what they did to those who tried to save their kid, thinking it was in harm's way. The crocodile tears they shed were a part of their theatrics. Their kids should also be taken away from them since they're both unfit as role models.

[avigil2]

You can't jail people for being stupid, otherwise, over half of Americans would be in jail and we would quickly run out of jail space.

[timdgrim]

New reality show theme....'Work Release Richy'. Go for it FOX. Put it on with the rest of your mindless cr*p!