FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Richard Heene, the man dubbed "Balloon Dad" after being convicted of masterminding a hoax that his young son was adrift in a runaway UFO-shaped balloon, was released from Larimer County jail Sunday after serving 28 days, authorities said.

Heene began serving his 30-day sentence at the jail on Jan. 11 and was released two days early, Larimer County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Eloise Campanella told TheDenverChannel.com Monday.

He will now serve 60 days of his sentence through a work-release program that will allow him to work during the day and spend nights in a minimum-security dormitory called the Alternative Sentencing Unit, Campanella said.

Mayumi Heene, the mother branded "Balloon Mom," would begin serving her jail sentence no later than May 1, Campanella said. The judge allowed this staggered sentencing, so one of the parents can be caring for the couple's three sons while the other is in custody.

The couple pleaded guilty in November to falsely reporting that their son Falcon, 6, had floated away in a UFO-shaped helium balloon.

The incident triggered a frantic three-county search for the wayward balloon with live TV coverage that riveted viewers around the world. The National Guard deployed helicopters and air-traffic controllers temporarily diverting flights at Denver International Airport.

Falcon emerged from a hiding place in the family's garage within hours. His mother confessed to the hoax several days later, according to court records.

Prosecutors are still seeking about $48,000 in restitution for the search and subsequent investigation, although defense attorneys for the Heenes have challenged the amount being sought.

A hearing is scheduled to settle the matter before a judge for April 20