CEO arrested in sex sting

The founder of two chains of natural foods grocery stores has been arrested in a child prostitution sting in Phoenix. Sunflower Farmers Market CEO Michael Gilliland, 52, was accused of soliciting sex online with someone who identified herself as an underage girl. He faces a charge of felony child prostitution. Gilliland resigned from Sunflower, which has locations in seven states. He also founded Wild Oats Markets Inc., which was bought by Whole Foods Market in 2007. Gilliland was one of eight men arrested in the sting. Sunflower said he told the company he believed he was not guilty and would be exonerated. Mr Gilliland was not available for comment on the charges.