At the time, the sheriff said he believed the family, but skepticism grew in the neighborhood and the media.
On "Larry King Live" Thursday night, Falcon was asked why he stayed in hiding. "You said we were doing this for a show," he told his parents.
Alderden described that statement as "our first 'Aha' moment." The sheriff said he acted as if he continued to believe the Heenes to lure them into agreeing to separate interviews, a polygraph exam and, he hoped, a confession.
Alderden noted that Colorado law forbids him from confirming lie detector tests or confessions, but said he now had enough evidence to flatly say the event was a hoax.
The couple, amateur scientists and storm chasers, has twice appeared on the ABC reality show "Wife Swap" - in which spouses trade places for two weeks - and had discussed a reality show with the company that produced "Wife Swap."
Alderden said a search of the Heene house Saturday night found documents confirming they were still hoping for a reality show deal.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
