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A U.S. Department of Energy employee from Richland, Washington, was arrested Thursday on allegations that he tried to provide “material support” to the Iran-backed Houthi movement, the Department of Justice said.
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, allegedly attempted to draw on his electrical engineering training to help the terrorist organization strengthen mobile communications, secure drone components and obtain chemicals used to make improvised explosives.
“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,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said in a statement.
“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.”
A Houthi follower looks on, during a pro-Iran demonstration, as the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran continues, in Sanaa, Yemen April 6, 2026. (Khaled Abdullah/Reuters)
Ellaboudy was taken into federal custody after an investigation led by the FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Court documents say the investigation began after Ellaboudy purchased precursor chemicals—ingredients commonly used in homemade explosives—along with equipment that could be used to assemble drones.
Prosecutors allege that Ellaboudy took medical leave from his Energy Department position in 2024 after claiming he had been exposed to highly concentrated nitric acid, a compound known to be used in the manufacture of explosives.
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Houthi supporters demonstrate in solidarity with Iran, amid a two-week ceasefire between U.S. and Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen, April 10, 2026. (Khaled Abdullah/Reuters)
According to prosecutors, Ellaboudy used an official passport issued during his previous employment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to travel from Washington state to Oman in 2025.
From Oman, he allegedly entered Yemen. When he returned to the United States, Ellaboudy told border officials that the trip had been conducted for authorized government business.
Investigators further allege that he provided guidance to an undercover FBI confidential source who posed as an associate of a Houthi colonel.
The Justice Department said Ellaboudy allegedly tested solar generators, altered electrical power systems, developed circuit diagrams and offered communications support to the Houthis.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) headquarters is seen on June 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
“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 Jarod Brown, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division.
Officials said the alleged conduct was not directed at nearby nuclear facilities.
“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 Ray Geimer, office manager of the Department of Energy’s Hanford Field Office.
If convicted, Ellaboudy could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance before a federal magistrate judge at 11 a.m. Oct. 2 in Richland, according to the Justice Department.
