U.S. Journalist Pleads Guilty As China Agent

Thomas Weir Pauken II, 50, knowingly worked with people employed by the Chinese government for years.

1. Frame 1Federal prosecutors charge Thomas Weir Pauken II, who pleaded guilty, with acting for China to target U.S. government information.
2. Frame 2Prosecutors say Pauken lived in China since 2010 and worked for state media including CCTV and Xinhua.
3. Frame 3He admitted joining a conspiracy to obtain sensitive information from the U.S. government for China.
4. Frame 4Court filings say PRC-linked handlers directed Pauken from at least 2019 until February 2026.
5. Frame 5The DOJ says he received at least $100,000 and traveled to meet potential U.S. intelligence sources.
6. Frame 6Sentencing is set for Sept. 1, when Pauken faces up to 10 years in prison.