A Department of Energy engineer has been arrested by federal authorities in Richland, Washington, facing charges of allegedly attempting to provide material support to the Iran-backed Houthis. Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, was taken into custody by FBI agents on Thursday, the Justice Department confirmed. The allegations involve Ellaboudy, a resident of Richland, attempting to assist a group designated by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organization.
"This matter did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce." Ray Geimer, Hanford Site Field Office Manager
According to federal prosecutors, the case against Ellaboudy centers on an alleged journey overseas and efforts to provide technical assistance to the Houthi movement. In September 2025, Ellaboudy reportedly traveled from Washington state to Oman. Authorities further allege he then paid approximately $1,400 to a smuggler to cross from Oman into Yemen, with his intended destination being Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen. Prosecutors contend Ellaboudy hoped to establish connections with Houthi officials in Sanaa, although he ultimately did not reach the city. Investigators, however, assert that this attempted journey forms a key part of the broader federal case against him.
Further allegations detail Ellaboudy's alleged misuse of an official passport. This passport was reportedly issued during his prior work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Upon his return to the United States, prosecutors claim Ellaboudy provided border officials with an explanation for his international travel that did not align with his actual government duties. He allegedly stated the trip was connected to a government mission involving missile defense systems. This discrepancy prompted investigators to contact his Department of Energy supervisor. The Justice Department’s account indicates that the supervisor confirmed Ellaboudy had no authorized international travel and was not assigned to any missile inspection program, which intensified scrutiny from federal authorities.
The investigation also encompassed purchases allegedly made by Ellaboudy. Federal authorities examined transactions involving acetone, sodium bisulfate, and drone components. These chemicals were described in the report as substances that can be associated with the production of homemade explosives. While these purchases were noted, the primary criminal charge described in the source material focuses on attempted material support to a terrorist organization, rather than a separate explosives offense. Prosecutors also cited an incident in December 2024 when Ellaboudy took sick leave, reportedly claiming exposure to highly concentrated nitric acid, another chemical commonly used in constructing explosive materials. The source does not specify why Ellaboudy had access to this chemical or whether this incident was directly linked to the alleged scheme to support the Houthis.
Investigators later introduced confidential human sources into the ongoing case. One of these sources allegedly claimed to work for a Houthi "Colonel." Prosecutors contend that Ellaboudy utilized his engineering background to test and modify solar generators and various communications equipment. This equipment, authorities allege, was intended for use in a mobile communications center for the Houthi group. Ellaboudy is also accused of supplying schematics and diagrams that explained how power and communications systems could be integrated. Furthermore, he allegedly researched additional equipment with the potential to enhance the Houthis’ communications capabilities. The allegations emphasize whether Ellaboudy’s technical expertise and government background were being leveraged to assist a foreign militant organization.
It is important to note that the source material does not state that Ellaboudy transferred classified information. Nor does it identify a specific financial loss incurred by the federal government as a direct result of his alleged actions. Officials at the Hanford Site, where Ellaboudy was employed, have addressed concerns regarding the safety of the facility and its personnel. Ray Geimer, the Hanford Site field office manager, issued a statement reassuring the public: "This matter did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce." Geimer further clarified that neither the site itself nor its employees had been placed in danger, with the case focusing solely on the alleged efforts to provide assistance overseas.
The FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force has been investigating the matter. Ellaboudy was scheduled to make his initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Richland on Friday. The accusations against him remain allegations at this stage of the legal process. If federal prosecutors successfully prove the attempted material-support charge, Ellaboudy could face a substantial sentence of up to two decades in federal prison. The arrest underscores the ongoing vigilance required to counter threats to national security, particularly those involving government employees and designated foreign terrorist organizations.
