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.

Teens arrested in kidnapping, assault

Seven high school students in suburban Philadelphia were arrested Monday following the kidnapping and assault of a 14-year-old, a local newspaper reported.
The victim had been hung from a fence post at an apartment complex, Upper Darby Police Superintendent Mike Chitwood was quoted as saying by the Daily Times of Delaware County.

"We're dragging them out in handcuffs," Chitwood said of the suspects as the arrests were happening.

"We want to send home a message that this type of behavior will absolutely not be tolerated," he added. "They hanged this kid from a steel fence. We have the video of them actually hanging this kid from the fence."

The victim did not sustain physical injuries but he did suffer "extreme mental anguish," Chitwood said.

Video of the assault will be released at a press conference at 1 p.m. ET, he added.

The suspects, all 16 or 17 years old, attend the Upper Darby High School.