VIDEO: Ex-colleague says Balloon Boy dad Richard Heene is 'driven by fame'

October 20, 9:16 AMLittle Rock Pop Culture ExaminerKristi Gray

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Richard Heene walks back to his house Oct. 19, 2009.

AP

Robert Thomas, Richard Heene's ex-business partner, told the Today show Tuesday morning that Heene had planned to stage a media stunt involving a UFO. Heene's "balloon boy" incident has turned out to be an elaborate hoax. 

Thomas, a 25-year-old college student, said he worked as an intern for Heene. He said Heene is "very creative" and "hyperactive." Thomas claimed he had no knowledge of the incident before it happened.

Thomas said when he saw the incident play out on TV, his first thought was, "Who would possibly do something like this? It has to be Richard Heene."

Thomas remarked that after Heene and his family appeared on ABC's Wife Swap, Heene became hungry for the spotlight and wanted to be more famous.

"Unfortunately, I think he's a little driven by fame and really interested in promoting himself," Thomas said. "He really needed to focus on his family."

Larimer County, Colorado Sheriff Jim Alderman said Sunday that criminal charges will soon be filed against the Heenes.

Watch Thomas' interview on the Today show here: