American Journalist Pleads Guilty to Acting as Chinese Agent
Chinese intelligence agent told the man his reports would be read by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, according to court documents.
TL;DR
- Thomas Weir Pauken II, 51, a U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty to acting as a Chinese agent.
- He performed tasks for Chinese intelligence officers for years, receiving over $100,000.
- Pauken claimed he was not fully aware of U.S. laws prohibiting such actions.
- His sentencing is scheduled for September 1, with a potential 10-year prison sentence.
- He promised not to contact foreign intelligence agents or officials and not to seek benefits from them.