Joel Iwanaga, a longtime reporter at Portland CBS affiliate KOIN, has admitted to shoplifting at a Hillsboro Whole Foods last December.
On Monday, Iwanaga pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, a misdemeanor, in Washington County Circuit Court. He waived his right to counsel and will enter a yearlong diversion program. Upon successful completion, his charge will be dismissed, according to OregonLive.
Here’s what Iwanaga took from the upscale supermarket, according to Lt. Mike Rouches, a Hillsboro Police spokesman:
Iwanaga had stolen about $200 worth of “food items and a couple hats,” Rouches said. The food, he said, included a shrimp dish, Tuna Salad Roll Up and some holiday food.
Iwanaga had placed the items into a bag that was inside his cart. He paid for a cider, Rouches said, but not the items inside the bag.
Iwanaga was cooperative with police and said there was “no excuse for his actions.” He’s been a general assignment reporter at KOIN since June 2001.
We’ve reached out to KOIN news director Kate Glover for comment. We’ll update when we hear back.