American Journalist Pleads Guilty to Acting as Chinese Agent Thomas Weir Pauken II, an American journalist, has pleaded guilty to acting as an agent for Chinese intelligence. Over several years, he carried out tasks for Chinese intelligence officers, receiving at least $100,000 from one individual. Pauken faces up to 10 years in prison and will be sentenced on September 1.

• 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.