What are the potential consequences for a reporter who has plagiarized material?

Well, he could lose his job, and some plagiarism may also be deemed a criminal offense, possibly leading to a prison sentence. In the case where an author sues a plagiarist, the author may be granted monetary restitution. In the case where a journalist works for a magazine, newspaper or other publisher, or even if a student is found plagiarizing in school, the offending plagiarist could have to pay monetary penalties.