Boulder County DA launches investigation into sheriff at center of Heene family balloon hoax probe:
It’s deflating news for the sheriff at the center of the investigation into the Colorado balloon hoax.The Boulder County district attorney announced Wednesday that he would personally investigate allegations that Larimer County Sheriff John Alderden improperly conducted his probe into the alleged balloon hoax committed by the Heene family.
A lawyer for Richard Heene wrote a letter to the Larimer County district attorney on Monday, accusing Alderden of breaking a Colorado law that prevents officials from publically disclosing information in a case involving charges of child neglect.
Alderden is seeking charges against Richard and Mayumi Heene of orchestrating a hoax on Oct. 15 that their 6-year-old son, Falcon, was trapped on board a wayward weather balloon. The Heenes allegedly launched the balloon from their home to drum up interest in a potential reality television show. Falcon Heene was later found safe in the family’s attic.
Alderden’s spokeswoman told The Associated Press Wednesday that the sheriff denies any wrongdoing in the Heene investigation.
