Arcadia Mayor Pleads Guilty to Acting for China
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Los Angeles — Eileen Wang, the former mayor of Arcadia, pleaded guilty Friday to a federal charge of acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government by operating the U.S. News Center and publishing PRC-directed content between late 2020 and 2022. She resigned after charges were announced on May 11 and faces a statutory maximum of ten years in prison.
The Department of Justice set Wang's sentencing for Oct. 6; prosecutors cited encrypted instructions directing publication of material favorable to Beijing, including items refuting human-rights reports on Xinjiang. Co-defendant Yaoning "Mike" Sun previously pleaded guilty in October and was sentenced to four years in February, and federal officials said the plea advances enforcement against covert foreign influence operations.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Late 2020–2022: Wang and Mike Sun operate U.S. News Center publishing PRC-approved content.
- 2. 2022: Wang switches party affiliation and assumes public office in Arcadia.
- 3. October (prior year): Mike Sun pleads guilty to acting as an illegal foreign agent.
- 4. February (this year): Mike Sun is sentenced to four years in prison.
- 5. May 11 (this year): DOJ announces charges; Wang resigns and pleads guilty this week; sentencing set for Oct. 6.
Why it matters
This case underscores the real threat of covert foreign influence in our communities. It's a reminder to stay informed about who's behind the news you consume. Check the credibility of your news sources and be aware of potential bias.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
