Sue Mi Terry reaches deferred prosecution deal with U.S. prosecutors

U.S. federal prosecutors have reached a deferred prosecution agreement with Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst and North Korea expert, accused of acting as an unregistered agent for the South Korean government. Under the deal, the Department of Justice will drop all charges after 12 months if Terry complies with specific conditions.

Terry admitted to providing meeting notes and draft articles to South Korean intelligence officials and receiving luxury gifts, including designer handbags and high-end dinners. While she acknowledged these facts, the agreement does not constitute a formal guilty plea for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

As part of the 12-month probationary period, Terry is prohibited from communicating with specific South Korean intelligence agents and must obtain prior approval for contact with other South Korean government officials. She is also restricted from accepting gifts from foreign governments exceeding $100.

Terry’s legal team has maintained her innocence, arguing that her interactions with South Korean officials were part of her professional work as a regional specialist and were conducted in furtherance of U.S. interests. The agreement avoids a jury trial that was scheduled to begin in late January.