World News
U.S. journalist sentenced to two years in prison for acting as illegal agent for China
Thomas Weir Pauken II pleaded guilty to operating at the direction of Chinese intelligence operatives in exchange for over $100,000.
The short version
- American journalist Thomas Weir Pauken II received a two-year federal prison sentence and three years of supervised release for acting as an unregistered foreign agent for China.
- Federal prosecutors stated Pauken supported Chinese intelligence operations, wrote reports, and attempted to recruit contacts between 2019 and his February arrest.
- His defense attorney stated Pauken accepted responsibility, will not appeal, and did not transfer classified materials.
Key facts
- Thomas Weir Pauken II, 51, was sentenced to two years in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release with restrictions prohibiting overseas travel.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The Department of Justice said Pauken received at least $100,000 to assist China's Ministry of State Security by gathering sensitive information and attempting to recruit potential assets.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Court filings indicate Pauken took direction from Chinese handlers from at least 2019 until his arrest in February 2026, including an operative identified as 'Cathy.'[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Pauken's defense attorney noted that the government agreed Pauken did not provide any classified information to China, and confirmed Pauken does not plan to appeal.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Pauken previously worked in China starting in 2010 for state-run media organizations, including CCTV and Xinhua.[ABC News · Associated Press]