BREAKING: Department of Energy employee arrested in Washington for allegedly trying to aid Iran-backed Houthis

According to the Justice Department, Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, is charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Investigators also allegedly uncovered purchases of chemicals used to make explosives and components for building drones.

“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,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “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.”

According to the Justice Department’s account of court records, the FBI began investigating Ellaboudy after receiving information that he had purchased precursor chemicals, components, and other materials commonly used to construct homemade explosive devices. Investigators subsequently found that he had also purchased parts used to build drones and remotely operated aerial systems.

The complaint alleges that in December 2024, the FBI learned Ellaboudy had taken sick leave from work, claiming exposure to highly concentrated nitric acid, a chemical commonly used in making explosive materials.

In September 2025, Ellaboudy allegedly traveled from Richland to Oman using an official passport previously issued to him while he worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Prosecutors say he used the same passport to cross into Yemen, intending to travel to the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa.

When he returned to the United States, Ellaboudy allegedly told Customs and Border Protection officers that the trip had been official government business. His Department of Energy supervisor subsequently told investigators that Ellaboudy had no authorized official travel to that region.

During the investigation, Ellaboudy communicated with an FBI confidential source who claimed to be acquiring communications equipment for a Houthi “Colonel,” according to the release. The equipment was supposedly destined for a mobile communications center in Yemen.

Prosecutors allege Ellaboudy helped the source test and modify solar power generators and communications equipment, drawing on his electrical engineering background. He also allegedly supplied schematics and diagrams, explained how to integrate the power and communications systems, and researched additional equipment to improve Houthi communications.

The Department of Energy’s Hanford Field Office said the investigation did not identify a threat to the nuclear cleanup site or its employees. “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,” Office Manager Ray Geimer said.

Ellaboudy is scheduled to make his initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Richland on Friday, October 2, at 11 am. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.