Federal authorities arrested an employee of the U.S. Department of Energy on Thursday morning, charging him with attempting to provide material support to the Houthis, an Iran-backed group designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization.

Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, Washington, was taken into custody following an investigation led by the FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge on Friday at 11:00 a.m. in Richland. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

According to a criminal complaint, Ellaboudy came under federal scrutiny after agents received tips that he had bought precursor chemicals, components, and hardware routinely used to build homemade explosives. Investigators found he also purchased parts designed for assembling drones and remotely operated aircraft.

Federal prosecutors allege that Ellaboudy, an electrical engineer by training, used his technical skills and government credentials to support the militant faction.

“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.”Court documents state that in December 2024, Ellaboudy took sick leave from his job, reporting that he suffered exposure to concentrated nitric acid, an industrial chemical often used to manufacture explosives. Months later, in September 2025, Ellaboudy traveled from Washington state to Oman using an official government passport issued during prior work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. From Oman, he crossed into Yemen, aiming to reach the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa.

Upon re-entering the United States, Ellaboudy told border officers that he had been abroad on official business. His Department of Energy supervisor later confirmed to investigators that Ellaboudy never had authorization for government travel to that region.

Federal filings outline how Ellaboudy later began dealing directly with an undercover FBI informant who claimed to represent a Houthi “Colonel.” The informant asked for assistance securing gear for a mobile communications hub. Ellaboudy tested and modified solar power units, mapped out how power and radio systems should connect, drew up setup schematics, and recommended specific hardware to improve the group’s communications network.

“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.”

Department of Energy officials said the case was tied strictly to outside activities and posed no danger to local nuclear cleanup operations at the nearby Hanford Site.

“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 Ray Geimer, office manager of the DOE Hanford Field Office. “We remain committed to providing a safe and secure workplace as we move the Hanford mission forward.”