Founder of 2 natural food grocery chains resigns

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - The founder of two chains of natural foods grocery stores has resigned after he was arrested in a child prostitution sting in Phoenix.

Police say Sunflower Farmers Market CEO Michael Gilliland is 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 acquired by Whole Foods Market in 2007.

Gilliland was one of eight men arrested Thursday in the sting.

Sunflower says he told the company he believes he is not guilty. He could not be reached Saturday on his cell phone.

Sunflower's president and COO, Chris Sherrell, has been named acting chief executive.