A U.S. Department of Energy employee from Richland, Washington, was taken into custody on Thursday and has been formally charged with attempting to provide "material support" to the Houthis, a group supported by Iran, according to an announcement from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, is accused of leveraging his electrical engineering background and expertise to assist the designated terrorist organization. His alleged efforts included enhancing its mobile communications infrastructure, acquiring components for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and sourcing chemicals for the production of homemade explosives.
Allegations of Support for a Designated Terrorist Group
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg stated that the allegations are profoundly concerning. "As alleged, a U.S. government employee traveled overseas and used his specialized expertise in an attempt to aid the Houthis, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization backed by Iran," Eisenberg explained. He further noted the severity of the claims: "Additionally, Ellaboudy acquired materials for the construction of explosive material and drones capable of delivering these explosives. These allegations are so deeply disturbing that they almost defy imagination."
Federal authorities apprehended Ellaboudy following a comprehensive investigation conducted by the FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Details of the Investigation and Overseas Travel
Court documents indicate that Ellaboudy first drew the attention of the FBI after purchasing precursor chemicals—initial ingredients often used in the manufacture of homemade explosives—along with parts necessary for constructing drones.
In 2024, the DOJ reported that Ellaboudy took sick leave from his position at the Department of Energy, claiming exposure to highly concentrated nitric acid. This chemical compound is known to be a crucial component in explosive manufacturing.
Prosecutors allege that in 2025, Ellaboudy utilized an official passport, issued during his prior employment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to travel from Washington state to Oman. From Oman, he subsequently crossed into Yemen. Upon his return to the United States, Ellaboudy reportedly informed border officials that his journey was authorized government business.
Investigators also revealed that Ellaboudy provided guidance to an undercover FBI confidential human source. This source was posing as a representative for a Houthi colonel. The statement from authorities specified that Ellaboudy's alleged assistance to the Houthis included testing solar generators, modifying power systems, developing circuit schematics, and offering general support for the group’s communication systems.
Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division commented on the alleged actions: "This individual allegedly betrayed the U.S. and attempted to aid the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization, but thanks to the work of the men and women of the FBI, his actions were detected and he is now in custody."
No Threat to Nuclear Facilities Confirmed
Officials also confirmed that Ellaboudy’s alleged activities were not directed at local nuclear facilities. Ray Geimer, office manager of the Department of Energy Hanford Field Office, assured the public: "This matter did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce, and at no time was there a threat to the safety or security of the site."
If convicted, Ellaboudy could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance before a federal magistrate judge on October 2 at 11 a.m. in Richland, according to information released by the Justice Department.
