Eileen Wang, the mayor of Arcadia, resigned Monday after reaching an agreement with federal authorities to plead guilty to charges related to acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government.
Federal officials allege Wang worked to advance the interests of the People’s Republic of China inside the United States while serving in local public office.
The 58-year-old politician could face up to 10 years in prison once the guilty plea is formally entered in federal court in the coming weeks.
FBI says Wang promoted Chinese government interests
In a statement posted on X, Kash Patel said Wang admitted to acting as an illegal foreign agent beginning in 2020.
“She was promoting People's Republic of China (PRC) propaganda in the U.S. and was promoting PRC interests,” Patel wrote.
Patel added that the FBI would continue targeting foreign influence operations and illegal activity linked to overseas governments.
Rise in Arcadia politics
Wang immigrated from China to California around 30 years ago and later became known in the local community for operating an after-school education program called Little Stanford Academy.
She was elected to the Arcadia City Council in November 2020 and assumed the city’s rotating mayoral position in February 2026.
Dominic Lazzaretto confirmed Wang’s resignation and described the allegations as “extremely troubling.”
Lazzaretto also stated that investigators found no evidence suggesting other city staff members were involved.
Defense attorney issues apology statement
Wang’s attorney, Brian Sun, shared a public apology on behalf of the former mayor.
“Her love and devotion for the Arcadia community have not changed and did not waver,” Sun said.
China yet to respond
The Chinese government has not officially commented on the case.
The development comes amid continued scrutiny by U.S. authorities over alleged Chinese influence operations involving local politicians, academic institutions, and community organizations across the country.