Longtime KOIN Reporter Joel Iwanaga has admitted to shoplifting food and merchandise from a Whole Foods late last year.

Iwanaga pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, a misdemeanor, in court this week.

He now enters a yearlong diversion program, and upon successful completion, his charge would be dismissed, according to court staff.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Iwanaga declined to comment about the Dec. 19 theft and referred questions to the station management. 

Cops say that Iwanaga was caught by store security with 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.

Police say that 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 he had made a "big mistake" and there was "no excuse for his actions," Rouches said.

KOIN News Director Kate Glover declined to comment, because you know, the news business. 

H/T The Oregonian