Dept. of Energy employee from Richland accused of attempting to aid foreign terrorist organization
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, October 1st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A U.S. Department of Energy employee was arrested Thursday and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Houthis, an Iran-backed foreign terrorist organization, federal officials announced.
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, Washington, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance Friday in federal court in Richland.
According to court documents, Ellaboudy, an electrical engineer, drew the attention of the FBI after purchasing precursor chemicals, drone components, and other materials used to build improvised explosives. In December 2024, Ellaboudy allegedly took sick leave, claiming exposure to nitric acid — a chemical commonly used in bomb-making.
Investigators allege Ellaboudy used an official government passport, previously issued during his employment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to travel to Oman in September 2025 before crossing into Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. Upon returning, he falsely told border agents he had been traveling on official government business, officials said.
The FBI said Ellaboudy later communicated with a confidential source pretending to represent a Houthi colonel. Ellaboudy allegedly provided technical schematics, tested solar generators, and gave expert guidance to help optimize the group’s communications equipment.
“This individual allegedly betrayed the U.S. and attempted to aid the Houthis,” said FBI Assistant Director Jarod Brown.
Officials emphasized that the alleged crimes did not involve any attempt to harm the Department of Energy’s Hanford Site or its workforce.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force.
