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.

Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria, Va., on June 4, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—An American journalist has pleaded guilty to acting as a Chinese agent and supplying intelligence to Beijing.

Thomas Weir Pauken II, 51, took tasks for years from Chinese intelligence officers, receiving at least $100,000 from one officer identified as “Cathy,” according to the plea agreement.