Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden held a press conference today in which he declared that the "Balloon Boy" episode was a hoax.
Alderden called the event a "publicity stunt" and added that criminal charges will be filed against Falcon's parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene: "It has been determined that this is a hoax, that it was a publicity stunt and we believe we have evidence at this point to indicate that this was a publicity stunt in hopes to better market themselves for a reality show".
Possible charges could include filing a false report, conspiracy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to a Reuters report.