DOE Worker Houthi Support Charges
Department of Energy Employee Charged With Attempted Support for Houthis
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Key Points
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The FBI reportedly learned in December 2024 that Ellaboudy had taken sick leave, saying he needed to recover from exposure to highly concentrated nitric acid, a chemical used in making explosive devices.
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A federal affidavit says purchases between November 2024 and February 2025 included nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, potassium nitrate, aluminum and sulfur powders, and firework igniter parts.
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The FBI used a confidential human source to contact Ellaboudy; according to the agency, he believed he was working with a Houthi colonel to acquire and develop communications systems for the group.
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The investigation included execution of a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Oxford Avenue in Richland. If convicted, Ellaboudy could face up to 20 years in prison.
A 51-year-old Department of Energy employee from Richland, Washington, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Houthis, a U.S.-designated terrorist group. OregonLive reported that Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy allegedly bought chemicals for explosives, acquired drone parts, and offered his technical expertise to help the group build communications systems. He also traveled to Yemen in September 2025 using his official passport, telling border officers the trip was for government business—a claim his supervisor disputed.
The FBI investigation included surveillance and a confidential human source who contacted Ellaboudy. Fox5DC noted that prosecutors say he believed he was working with a Houthi colonel to acquire and develop communications equipment. If convicted, Ellaboudy faces up to 20 years in prison. The charges have not been proven in court.
Explosive Chemicals Purchased Over Four Months
Between November 2024 and February 2025, Ellaboudy purchased a striking array of materials used to make explosives. RSBNetwork reported the purchases included nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, potassium nitrate, aluminum powder, sulfur powder, and firework igniter parts. In December 2024, the FBI learned Ellaboudy had taken sick leave claiming exposure to highly concentrated nitric acid—a red flag for investigators.
Secret Communications With Alleged Houthi Colonel
The FBI deployed a confidential human source to make contact with Ellaboudy in the months before his arrest. According to investigators, Ellaboudy believed he was working directly with a Houthi colonel to acquire and develop communications systems for the terrorist organization. The source maintained regular contact with him, documenting his statements and technical discussions about the group's operational needs.
Yemen Trip Raises Questions About Government Access
In September 2025, Ellaboudy traveled to Yemen via Oman using his official Department of Energy passport. When he returned to the United States, he told border officers the trip was government business. OregonLive reported his supervisor contradicted this claim, saying no such work trip had been authorized. The unauthorized travel raised serious questions about how a government employee with potential terrorist ties maintained access to federal resources and classified information.
Search Warrant Executed at Richland Residence
Federal authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Oxford Avenue in Richland as part of the investigation. JohnsonCityPress reported the search uncovered additional evidence of Ellaboudy's alleged activities. Prosecutors will use the findings to support their case that he deliberately attempted to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
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