“Balloon Boy” Drama Could Land Family in Court

Two decades ago, the world watched as rescuers worked for days to free 18-month old Jessica McClure (from then known as “Baby Jessica”) from the bottom of a well. At the time, CNN was a relatively new news outlet, and their around-the-clock coverage of the event contributed to the market niche that the network formed for itself. However, the “media circus” of the event also prompted some criticism.

Now, twenty-two years later almost to the day, the world watched again, fearing for the life of a six-year-old boy as a giant balloon floated for fifty miles – only to discover that the “Balloon Boy,” as the media dubbed him, was not actually inside. The sheriff in Larimer County, Colorado where the family lives has since called the incident a “hoax,” alleging that the entire event was staged. It turns out that the family may have learned something from Baby Jessica and similar situations that followed – that a child in trouble is a very good way to get media attention. In fact, a researcher has come forward stating that he helped the boy’s parents develop a plan for a reality TV show earlier this year, a plan that may have included “drumming up media interest” with a launched weather balloon.

The sheriff stated in a press conference on Sunday that he expects to file charges in the case. So what legal trouble could the family be in if the allegations of a hoax are true? The potential charges mentioned include conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and attempting to influence a public servant. These are all felonies, though the sheriff also says that he will recommend a charge of filing a false police report, a misdemeanor.

Both of the felony charges would be somewhat unusual applications of the laws; for example, contributing to the delinquency of a minor typically involves situations like keeping a child out of school or allowing a child to be involved in the sale or use of drugs. If the allegations of a hoax are proven true, should the family face criminal charges? What about restitution to the government for the expense of a rescue attempt? After all, it was more than just the public who were “taken for a ride” in this situation; the authorities may have been as well.Both of the felony charges would be somewhat unusual applications of the laws; for example, contributing to the delinquency of a minor typically involves situations like keeping a child out of school or allowing a child to be involved in the sale or use of drugs. If the allegations of a hoax are proven true, should the family face criminal charges? What about restitution to the government for the expense of a rescue attempt? After all, it was more than just the public who were “taken for a ride” in this situation; the authorities may have been as well.