Paradise Valley man Michael C. Gilliland pleads guilty in child prostitution case
Michael Gilliland
Photographer: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 08/27/2012
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By: Associated Press
PHOENIX - A Paradise Valley businessman accused in a child prostitution case last year has pleaded guilty to attempt to commit pandering.
Maricopa County prosecutors say 53-year-old Michael C. Gilliland entered his plea Monday. His faces an Oct. 9 sentencing.
Gilliland founded Sunflower Farmers Market, which has 35 retail stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Texas.
He resigned as the company's CEO in February 2011 after his arrest.
Police took Gilliland into custody at a Phoenix hotel as part of a sting operation in which an undercover officer posed as a 17-year-old prostitute.
According to court records, Gilliland met the "girl" on a website and agreed to meet in person and pay her $100 for sex.
He was later indicted on one felony count of child prostitution.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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