Eileen Wang resigned as mayor of Arcadia on Monday, May 12, 2026, after the U.S. Department of Justice announced she agreed to plead guilty in a federal foreign agent case tied to China.

Federal prosecutors said Wang, 58, acted as a covert agent for the People’s Republic of China while helping distribute propaganda content targeting Chinese American communities in Southern California. Officials said the felony charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

DOJ Says Propaganda Was Shared Through Community News Platforms

According to court filings, Chinese officials allegedly used encrypted WeChat messages in June 2021 to send prewritten articles to Wang and others. One article reportedly denied allegations of genocide and forced labor involving ethnic minorities in China’s Xinjiang region.

Prosecutors said Wang reposted the content on websites presented as local news platforms and later shared proof of publication with individuals linked to the Chinese government.

Federal investigators also alleged that Wang coordinated with John Chen, who previously pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal foreign agent and conspiracy to bribe a public official.

What Happens Next for Arcadia?

City officials in Arcadia said the federal allegations did not involve city finances, employees, or municipal operations. Wang was elected to the City Council in November 2022 and later became mayor through the council’s rotating leadership system.

The City Council is now expected to discuss appointing a temporary replacement for Wang’s 3rd District seat ahead of the November 2026 election.

Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg said public officials in the United States must represent American interests only, calling the allegations against Wang “deeply concerning.”