PrepForOne

10.19.09  "MOST POPULAR" ACROSS THE WEB 

Anything that has to do with the "balloon boy's" family is red hot this morning. As stated above, charges are being filed this week after determining that the whole thing was a hoax by the sheriff's department. There's evidence showing a "media outlet" agreed to pay the family to put on the hoax. It was a show that blurs "the line between entertainment and news." Police are still trying to determine when the deal was signed, and how much the show was in on the conspiracy. 

More reasons to hate Richard and Mayumi Heene:

-The two met in acting school in Hollywood
-Robert Thomas, sold a story to Gawker.com (here) which claims Heene had told him he was planning a media stunt to promote a reality show. The stunt involved a balloon, but he didn't know it involved the children, as well. Thomas was planning on meeting with investigators last night. 
-The cost for the two military helicopters used to search for the boy: $14,500. That money will be paid back. 
-All three sons knew of the hoax, but won't face charges.
-Records show police have responded to the Heene household at least twice during the last year, including once for possible domestic violence. No charges were filed. Officials tried to convince Mayumi to go to a safe house, but she refused.