Former Arcadia Mayor Pleads Guilty to Acting as an Illegal Agent of China

On Friday, former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent for China. Charged last month, Wang agreed to a guilty plea for promoting propaganda directed by the Chinese government between 2020 and 2022. Court filings reveal details of the case.

Background and Charges

Wang, elected to the Arcadia City Council in November 2022, later became mayor. Her position rotated among council members. She stepped down hours after her plea agreement was unsealed. Both Arcadia officials and Wang’s attorneys noted her accused conduct occurred before she assumed office.

Wang was released on a $25,000 bond and appeared in federal court in Los Angeles. There, she formally entered her guilty plea. She faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for October 6. When questioned by U.S. District Judge Wesley Hsu, Wang answered affirmatively to her guilt. The judge highlighted that her guilty plea could prevent her from future public office positions. Wang was also ordered to avoid any communication with Chinese government representatives, including consular officials.

Individuals in our country who covertly do the bidding of foreign governments undermine our democracy,

said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

Details of the Plea Agreement

From late 2020 to at least 2022, Wang collaborated with her former fiance, Yaoning ‘Mike’ Sun, to operate a website called U.S. News Center. The platform branded itself as a news source for Chinese Americans. Court records indicate that both Wang and Sun followed directives from Chinese officials, which included posting specific content and reporting its reach, supported by screenshots.

In June 2021, Wang received a message from a Chinese official regarding China’s Stance on the Xinjiang Issue. It included a response from the consul general of China in Los Angeles to a Los Angeles Times editorial supporting a product boycott due to forced labor concerns in Xinjiang. According to the plea agreement, Wang posted the article immediately and informed the officials of her actions.

Wang acknowledged editing requested articles and showcasing their popularity to Chinese officials. Her plea agreement highlights an incident in August 2021, where she thanked an official for complimenting a post with over 15,000 views.

Prosecutors stated Wang did not disclose Chinese government involvement in her online activities.

Response and Aftermath

After the plea deal became public, fury erupted at the City Council meeting on May 19. Residents criticized city leaders for their inaction after the FBI raided Wang’s home. Former Mayor Tom Beck called for accountability among council members, stressing the missed opportunity to oust Wang earlier.

Council Members David Fu, Paul Cheng, and Michael Cao faced backlash for their perceived protection of Wang. Resident Steve Rhee accused them of betraying the community’s trust. City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto clarified that the council lacked the authority to remove Wang without a conviction. He also noted the council’s unawareness of the investigation’s details.

Mayor Paul Cheng focused on promoting unity within Arcadia, urging against succumbing to division or external pressures.