Department of Energy Employee Arrested in Washington State on Charges of Attempted Material Support to Houthis

Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, a resident of Richland, Washington, was arrested this morning and charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Ellaboudy is scheduled to make an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge on Oct. 2 at 11:00 a.m. in Richland.

“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.”

“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,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “According to the criminal complaint, Ellaboudy tried to assist the terrorist group improve its communications capabilities, he purchased materials for homemade explosives and drones, and he traveled to Yemen where the Houthis control the capital city. Preventing terrorism and protecting the U.S. homeland is a vital part of the FBI’s mission. We will use all our resources and work closely with our partners to identify and stop anyone planning to commit acts of terrorism or to help terrorist organizations.” 

“The Hanford Field Office appreciates the leadership and diligence of the investigation conducted by the FBI. 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,” said Office Manager Ray Geimer of the Department of Energy Hanford Field Office. “We remain committed to providing a safe and secure workplace as we move the Hanford mission forward.”

According to court records, Ellaboudy, who was a Department of Energy employee, came to the attention of the FBI after they received information that he had purchased precursor chemicals, components, and other materials commonly used in the construction of homemade explosive devices. In addition to the precursor chemicals, the investigation revealed Ellaboudy had also purchased parts used for the construction of drones and remotely operated aerial systems. 

The complaint alleges that in December 2024, the FBI learned that Ellaboudy took sick leave from his employment, claiming that it was due to having been exposed to highly concentrated nitric acid, a common chemical used in the construction of explosive materials. In September 2025, Ellaboudy, using an official passport previously issued to him when employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, traveled from Richland, Washington to Oman. Upon arriving in Oman, Ellaboudy used this same passport to cross the border into Yemen with the intent on traveling to Sanaa, Yemen, the country’s capital, which is under the control of the Houthis. Upon returning to the United States, Ellaboudy stated to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers that he had travelled overseas on official government business. Subsequent information from Ellaboudy’s DOE supervisor revealed he did not have any authorized official government travel to that region. 

During the investigation, Ellaboudy began communicating with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) who purported to be working for a Houthi “Colonel” to acquire communications equipment that would be sent to Yemen for use in a mobile communications center. Ellaboudy provided expert advice and assistance, based upon his background in electrical engineering, by helping the CHS test and modify solar power generators and communication equipment. Additionally, Ellaboudy provided guidance on how the power systems and communication system integrated, provided schematics and diagrams for the proper setup of the systems, and conducted research and provided guidance on other equipment that could be acquired to enhance the communications equipment of the Houthis.

If convicted, Ellaboudy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  

The FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Cartier-Giroux for the Eastern District of Washington and Trial Attorneys Patrick Cashman and Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.