Cops Believe Balloon Boy Was 'Real Event'

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office just held a press conference on the Heene family's flying saucer caper -- and they said, as of now, they feel it was a "real event" and not a hoax. Sheriff Jim Alderden said Falcon's parents "expressed statements, non verbal communication, body language, and emotions that were consistent with the events taking place." He confirmed Richard Heene called the FAA first, then a local TV station before calling 911 -- because 9 News had a helicopter they believed could help the situation. Also interesting to note -- Falcon's parents were asked if they wanted to be present when investigators interviewed him yesterday, but they didn't care, so he went solo. Alderdon said the video of Falcon from Larry King has raised skepticism in the department and they will re-interview the family tomorrow -- giving the boy time to recover from that puke filled interview on "Today."

Balloon Boy Investigation

5peek@n!t has learned the Larimer County Sheriff's Department will conduct an investigation into the getaway balloon caper. We're told they have not decided if it's a criminal investigation -- presumably filing a false report.

After a meeting today, Sheriff's officials tell us they will conduct interviews with the family beginning tomorrow, including the boy.

A Sheriff's official told us they will not interview the family today because "their physical and emotional state as of this morning is not well."

Thing is ... they've been doing TV nonstop. We're just sayin' ...

Story developing ...

The Heene family has released video of their flying saucer "accidentally" taking flight -- before they allegedly thought six-year-old was inside.



Papa Richard Heene can be seen releasing the balloon and then screaming at his wife for not holding onto the tether. One of their other sons is working the camera. Falcon is MIA, presumably already in a box in the attic.

Nic Cage Sues Biz Manager For 'Financial Ruin'

Nicolas Cage, who has made untold millions over a long career, says his business manager has sent him "down a path toward financial ruin" and he wants $20 million minimum to repair the damage.

5peek@n!t have obtained a copy of a lawsuit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, in which Cage claims Samuel Levin -- his business manager -- was so reckless and incompetent with his money, that he has now been forced to sell off major assets and investments and is faced with gigantic tax liabilities.

In the lawsuit, Cage -- who according to Forbes earned $40 mil between June 2008 and June 2009 -- claims over a period of seven years, "Levin placed Cage in numerous highly speculative and risky real estate investments, resulting in Cage suffering catastrophic losses."

Cage also claims Levin failed to pay taxes when they were due. The IRS has filed liens against the actor for more than $6 million in back taxes.

Cage claims it was only this year, after firing Levin, he learned "the gravity of his financial condition."

In the lawsuit, filed by legal pit bull Marty Singer, Cage claims Levin never advised him of his financial bottom line and is guilty of "over-extending [Cage's] line of credit with banks and financial institutions." The suit claims Levin concealed Cage's "true financial condition prior to investments and assets being acquired by [Cage]." Translation -- Levin never told Cage to put the brakes on buying stuff because he was running out of money.

And, for bad measure, Cage claims he paid Levin millions and was "grossly" overcharged for his services.

Cage is suing for a minimum of $20 million.