Arcadia mayor Eileen Wang has resigned after US authorities charged her in a case involving alleged work as an unregistered foreign agent linked to China.
Wang, 58, was elected to the city council in November 2022. The council rotates the mayor role among its members. She resigned on Monday after agreeing to a plea deal on a felony charge.
Her legal team said she accepts responsibility for past personal mistakes and expressed regret. They also stated her commitment to the Arcadia community has not changed.
US Authorities Outline the Allegations
The US Department of Justice says Wang worked with another individual, Yaoning Mike Sun, to run a website called US News Center. The platform targeted Chinese American readers in Arcadia.
Prosecutors allege she followed instructions from Chinese officials. This included sharing positive articles about Beijing without proper disclosure under US law.
One example described officials sending her ready made articles through WeChat. These articles denied claims about forced labour and abuse in Xinjiang. Wang then shared them on the website.
Official Response From Authorities
First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said the case shows efforts to protect US institutions from foreign influence. He stressed that hidden foreign activity in local government weakens democracy.
City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto said the allegations are serious. He added that the investigation concerns personal actions and not city systems or public funds. He also confirmed that no city resources were involved.
Legal Position and Next Steps
Wang faces a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years under the plea agreement. Her lawyers say she apologises for her actions and is cooperating with authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing, but officials say the conduct stopped after she took office in December 2022.
