Colorado Balloon Boy Parents Extend Bids For Balloon

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) - The former Colorado couple who told authorities their son floated away in a silver helium balloon say they're re-opening the auction for the balloon because of low and fraudulent bids.

The auction website says Monday that Richard and Mayumi Heene are extending the auction until Friday.

The Heenes announced the auction June 1 and suggested a bid of $1 million. Their attorney says all proceeds would benefit earthquake and tsunami recovery in Japan.

The delay was reported in The Coloradoan.

Authorities chased the UFO-shaped balloon in October 2009 but the 6-year-old boy wasn't inside. He was later found at home and authorities accused the Heenes of staging a hoax to promote possible reality TV shows.

Both parents served time in jail and the family later moved to Bradenton, Fla.

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