Mallory, who speaks Chinese, was found with $16,500 in undeclared cash at O’Hare Airport in Chicago. Mallory, who initially appeared in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, could face life in prison or even the death penalty.
Mallory was an Army veteran and special agent for the Diplomatic Security Service at the State Department. He also worked for a number of government agencies and contractors. Until he left the government, he held “Top Secret” security clearance.
In April, he travelled to Shanghai. Allegedly, Chinese intelligence agents had received classified documents in exchange for money, and encouraged Mallory to resume government work and obtain a “position of access.” Mallory requested a court-appointed attorney.