MORRISTOWN, N.J. – The Morris County prosecutor says two men who staged a UFO hoax using road flares and helium balloons will be charged with disorderly conduct.

Prosecutor Robert Bianchi says the objects could have interfered with air traffic and posed a potential fire hazard.

29-year-old Chris Russo of Morris Plains and 28-year-old Joe Rudy of Chester Township came forward Thursday and admitted they perpetrated the hoax, launching several balloons on each of five nights in January and February.

They say they did it to debunk so-called UFO experts.

The mysterious red lights prompted dozens of calls to police in several Morris County communities.

The men say they stopped after the prosecutor got involved and warned about the possible danger to aircraft.

A disorderly conduct offense is punishable by a fine.

Source: MyFoxPhilly