The U.S. Attorney for Western Missouri has announced that a man from China has pleaded guilty to snapping unauthorized photos near Whiteman Air Force Base.

The Department of Justice says they secured the plea in federal court Wednesday, Apr. 22 from 35-year-old Qilin Wu, who was arrested in December outside the base in Knob Noster. According to court documents, Air Force patrolmen spotted a suspicious minivan near the perimeter of the base and discovered Wu, who said he was there to observe the B-2 Spirit bomber. Despite being told his presence and photography was unauthorized, Wu and his minivan were spotted at a different part of the perimeter fence the next day. Officers say Wu admitted to recording 18 images and photos around the base’s fencing, including aircraft, gates, and other military equipment.

Wu could face up to a year in prison. The Department of Justice also noted in their statement that Wu was awaiting a hearing next February on a charge that he illegally entered the U.S. in June 2023.