American consultant charged with spying for China

US Justice Department says Kevin Patrick Mallory gave defense documents to Chinese agent

The American has been charged with giving top secret defense documents to an agent for the Chinese government. Photograph: Doug Mills/The New York Times

A Virginia man has been charged with giving top secret defense documents to an agent for the Chinese government, the US Justice Department said on Thursday.

Kevin Patrick Mallory, 60, a self-employed consultant who has worked for the US government and defence contractors, made his initial appearance in federal court on Thursday.

Mallory faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of the espionage charges.

Reuters