Energy Department Employee Arrested Over Alleged Attempt to Support Houthis in Yemen
A U.S. Department of Energy employee has been arrested and charged with allegedly attempting to provide material support to Yemen’s Houthi movement, including by acquiring materials that investigators say could be used in explosives and drones.
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, Washington, was arrested October 1 and charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, which the U.S. government designates as a foreign terrorist organization. The Justice Department said Ellaboudy is scheduled to make his initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Richland on October 2.
Federal prosecutors allege that Ellaboudy used his background in electrical engineering and traveled overseas in an effort to assist the Houthis. Investigators also allege that he purchased materials associated with homemade explosives and components that could be used in drones.
The case has drawn attention because Ellaboudy was employed by the federal government while allegedly attempting to establish connections with the Iran-backed group.
What the Justice Department Alleges
According to the criminal complaint and the Justice Department, Ellaboudy traveled from Washington state to Oman in 2025 using an official passport that had been issued during his previous employment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Prosecutors allege that he then crossed into Yemen and intended to travel to Sanaa, the country’s capital, which is controlled by the Houthis. Investigators say he later told FBI sources that he had been smuggled into and out of Yemen and had hoped to establish high-level contacts there.
After returning to the United States, authorities allege that Ellaboudy told Customs and Border Protection officers that his overseas travel had been connected to official U.S. government business.
According to the Justice Department, however, his Department of Energy supervisor said Ellaboudy had not been authorized to undertake such international travel and that the supervisor was unaware of any government mission matching Ellaboudy’s account.
Investigators Say Explosive and Drone Materials Were Purchased
The FBI investigation also focused on purchases that authorities say were consistent with efforts to obtain materials for explosive devices and drones.
The Justice Department alleges that Ellaboudy acquired materials that could be used in the construction of explosives as well as components associated with drones capable of carrying explosive payloads.
The FBI also alleges that Ellaboudy communicated with confidential sources, including an individual presented to him as a Houthi colonel.
According to prosecutors, Ellaboudy provided electrical-engineering expertise involving communications equipment and power systems. The Justice Department says he helped test and modify solar generators and communications equipment, provided schematics and diagrams, and researched additional equipment that could improve Houthi communications capabilities.
Officials Say He Was Trying to Assist Houthi Operations
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said the government alleges that Ellaboudy traveled overseas and attempted to use his specialized expertise to assist the Houthis.
Eisenberg also pointed to the alleged acquisition of explosive and drone materials, describing the allegations as deeply disturbing.
The FBI said the investigation was conducted by the agency’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force.
No Evidence of a Threat to the Hanford Site
Ellaboudy’s arrest has also prompted attention because he worked for the Department of Energy in the Richland area, which is associated with the Hanford site.
Local officials have emphasized that the case does not indicate an attack or threat against the Hanford facility itself. Authorities said the matter did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford site or its workforce.
That distinction is important because the allegations concern Ellaboudy’s purported activities overseas and his communications with people investigators say he believed were associated with the Houthis.
Houthis Are Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
The federal charge is based on allegations that Ellaboudy attempted to provide material support to an organization designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization.
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are a Yemeni movement that controls significant territory, including Sanaa. The group has received support from Iran and has been involved in the broader conflict surrounding Yemen and regional security.
The United States has also taken military and diplomatic measures in response to Houthi attacks and threats involving shipping and regional targets.
Ellaboudy Faces Federal Charges
If convicted of the charge, Ellaboudy could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, according to the Justice Department.
His initial federal court appearance is scheduled for October 2 in Richland, Washington. Court proceedings will determine how prosecutors’ allegations are handled as the case moves forward.
The Justice Department has emphasized that the allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not been proven in court. Ellaboudy is presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
What Happens Next
The upcoming court appearance is expected to begin the federal judicial process against Ellaboudy.
Prosecutors will have to establish the allegations contained in the complaint through the legal process, while the defense will have an opportunity to challenge the government’s evidence and characterization of his conduct.
For now, federal authorities have accused a government employee of using overseas travel, engineering expertise and purchases of equipment and materials in an alleged effort to assist the Houthis. The case remains pending, and the allegations have not yet been adjudicated in court.
Benjamin Harris is a RapidReports front page contributor and editor,proud father of four.
