Sunflower Farmers Markets CEO resigns after child prostitution scandal

Sunflower Farmers Markets CEO resigns after child prostitution scandal

2011-02-14 10:54:13 GMT+7 (ICT)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (BNO NEWS) -- The CEO of Sunflower Farmers Markets resigned following his arrest on charges relating to child prostitution, the company confirmed late Saturday night.

Michael Gilliland, 52, who also founded Wild Oats Market, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly soliciting sex from a 13-year-old girl and resigned from his executive positions and from the Sunflower's board of directors.

An operation by local police in Phoenix, Arizona ended with the arrest of eight people, and among them was Gilliland, who is being charged of felony child prostitution.

Gilliland allegedly traveled to a motel after agreeing to meet someone who had identified herself online as a 13-year-old girl and pay her for sexual intercourse.

"Sunflower appreciates the respect that Mr. Gilliland has shown for the company by his action, so that his personal affairs will not affect the company," recently named acting CEO Chris S. Sherrell said.

The company also stated that Gilliland had informed Sunflower about the incident, adding that "he believes he is not guilty of the charges brought against him, and that he expects to be exonerated."

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