The Colorado father accused of pulling a spectacular hoax by reporting his son was aboard a runaway balloon has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of attempting to influence a public servant.
Richard and Mayumi Heene appeared in court Friday. Richard Heene entered a guilty plea, and Mayumi Heene was expected to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of false reporting.
Richard Heene's attorney, David Lane, says the pleas are part of an agreement to avoid possible deportation of Mayumi Heene to her native Japan should she be convicted in court of greater charges.
Sentencing will be later.
